A perk of the BWCA is that it’s an incredibly versatile wilderness area all year round—an essential trait for Minnesota’s moody climate. Just be prepared for what it can throw at you. Below I’ve detailed the different considerations for traveling the Boundary Waters in May, June, July, August, and September.
You always need a permit to enter the Boundary Waters but will need to reserve your permit ahead of time if you hope to enter between May 1 – September 30. In those five months, the BWCA allows a limited number of paddlers in per day per entry point. This helps to preserve the wilderness from excessive impact as well as keep campsites available.
If you go the Boundary Waters outside of those five months, you still need a permit but they are free of charge and in unlimited supply.
The Boundary Waters in May
Once the ice is out on lakes, die-hard paddlers start feeling the pull the the BWCA. Starting May 1, you’ll need to reserve your permit for an overnight trip. The water is going to be frigid and fishing isn’t allowed until mid-May (May 14 for 2022). But you’ll enjoy the solitude of being in the Boundary Waters in early Spring.
| Temperatures | Traffic | Fishing | Nature Highlights | Bugs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highs: 60s Lows: 40s | Low | Fishing Opener in mid-May | Early blooms. Animals returning. | No mosquitos |
Pros:
- Low traffic
- No mosquitos
- Spring foliage
Cons:
- No fishing until Minnesota’s Fishing Opener (mid-May)
- Chilly, temperamental weather
- Frigid water
The Boundary Waters in June
June is the earliest I’ve ever personally visited the Boundary Waters. It’s surprisingly still relatively early in the season and swimming temperature is quite cold in some lakes. However, you’ll warm up quickly in the sun as you get your paddle on and enjoy the wildlife of summer. You’ll want to reserve your permit early if you’d like to get your choice of entry points in June. With school just out, June tends to be a popular time for families.
| Temperatures | Traffic | Fishing | Nature Highlights | Bugs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highs: 70s Lows: 50s | Mild | Great top water fishing | Wildflowers in bloom. Good chance of moose sightings. | Mosquitos are biting, but reduced during cool nights. |
Pros:
- Great fishing
- Cool nights reduce mosquitos
- Moose sightings!
Cons:
- Can be rainy
- Cool swimming temperatures
The Boundary Waters in July
July paddling is hot and crowded, but that makes for great swimming adventures and splash play in the Boundary Waters. Book your permits early so you can have the pick of entry points. And be sure to freeze all the food you can ahead of time – you won’t have a problem thawing it before dinner.
| Temperatures | Traffic | Fishing | Nature Highlights | Bugs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highs: 80s Lows: 60s | High | Hot day-time temperature push fish deeper. | Raspberries & blueberries ripe for picking | Mosquitos can be brutal in some sites. |
Pros:
- Great swimming
- Wild berries ready for picking
Cons:
- Heavy mosquito pressure
- Crowded
- Hot
- Limited permits (book early!)
The Boundary Waters in August
August is by far the most popular time to venture into the Boundary Waters. The temperatures are beautiful, fishing is good, water is warmest temperature all year, and school is just around the corner again. As a result, the first two weeks of August tend to be the busiest in the Boundary Waters.
I have had times in August when it is difficult to find a camping spot. You’ll want to account for this as you plan your route. The last time this happened to me, I was travelling with my 6- and 8-year-old sons and my 67-year-old father-in-law. We had just finished the 160 rod portage (about half a mile) from Kawasachong when we were told by another party that all the campsites were taken on Lake Polly. We made the hard decision to turn back and camp on Kawasachong for another night where we knew there were sites available.
Another drawback of paddling during high-traffic times is having long waits for your turn at a portage, due to the BWCA rule of one party per portage.
| Temperatures | Traffic | Fishing | Nature Highlights | Bugs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highs: 80s Lows: 60s | Highest | Great fishing at morning and dusk | If there’s been rain, might find more ripe berries. | Reduced during the day |
Pros:
- Low traffic
- No mosquitos
- Spring foliage
Cons:
- Camping spots may be limited on certain lakes
- Crowded portages/waiting your turn
The Boundary Waters in September
September is a beautiful time to visit the Boundary Waters. Bugs are minimal, crowds are low due to school being back in session, and if you go later in the month you’ll catch some amazing BWCA Fall foliage. The only drawback is that it may be difficult for some in your party to schedule the trip in September.
| Temperatures | Traffic | Fishing | Nature Highlights | Bugs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highs: 60s Lows: 40s | Lowest | Fish returning to the shallows as water temperatures cool down | Fall foliage | No bugs |
Pros:
- Low traffic
- No mosquitos
- Leaves beginning to change color
Cons:
- Swimming will be chilly
- Lots of available permits
When is the best time to go to the Boundary Waters?
Each of these five months will give you a unique experience of the Boundary Waters. It will depend on your trip goals (fishing? Swimming? Solitude?), the intended route, and the experience level of your group. For me, I aim for late August/early September if I can make it work.
| Month | Temperatures | Traffic | Fishing | Nature Highlights | Bugs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May | Highs: 60s Lows: 40s | Low | Fishing Opener in mid-May | Early blooms. Animals returning. | No mosquitos |
| June | Highs: 70s Lows: 50s | Mild | Great top water fishing | Wildflowers in bloom. Good chance of moose sightings. | Mosquitos are biting, but reduced during cool nights. |
| July | Highs: 80s Lows: 60s | High | Hot day-time temperature push fish deeper. | Raspberries & blueberries ripe for picking | Mosquitos can be brutal in some sites. |
| August | Highs: 80s Lows: 60s | Highest | Great fishing at morning and dusk | If there’s been rain, might find some ripe berries. | Reduced during the day |
| September | Highs: 60s Lows: 40s | Lowest | Fish returning to the shallows as water temperatures cool down | Fall foliage | No bugs |