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Sept. 20, 2016
#47156 07/27/16 05:07 PM
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My wife and I did Whitney last year (early September) and absolutely loved it. We're from Michigan and would like to do it again this Sept. 20 or 21st. There's currently no overnight passes available but were hoping to get a couple when we arrive out there on the abovementioned dates. What are the chances of getting a permit on that date with their daily lottery?
Also, do I need to be concerned about snow? Last years weather was perfect (we made it to the top on 9-2) but we're going about three weeks later this time and do not want to hike in any snow at all. I know there's no guarantees but is Sept. 20 (give or take a few days) usually free of snowfall? Thanks.

Re: Sept. 20, 2016
Joe #47157 07/27/16 05:59 PM
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Originally Posted By: Joe
My wife and I did Whitney last year (early September) and absolutely loved it. We're from Michigan and would like to do it again this Sept. 20 or 21st. There's currently no overnight passes available but were hoping to get a couple when we arrive out there on the abovementioned dates. What are the chances of getting a permit on that date with their daily lottery?
Also, do I need to be concerned about snow? Last years weather was perfect (we made it to the top on 9-2) but we're going about three weeks later this time and do not want to hike in any snow at all. I know there's no guarantees but is Sept. 20 (give or take a few days) usually free of snowfall? Thanks.


I would guess that if you are diligent and check the recreation.gov web site often you will get a permit. If that fails, you are almost certain to get a walk in permit (or as you describe it the daily lottery). As for the weather, as you say, no guarantees, but I find Sept. to be the best month, since not so hot, and mosquitos not so much an issue.

If you are signed in you will see a "search" topic in the banner above. Click on Search, specify "Trip Reports - on left side), specify a big date range, and search for Sept. You should find lots of past trips to help you assess the "typical" weather for Sept. Some will be nearby hikes (Mt. Langley for instance), but the weather there will be very similar to Whitney. I did the Mountaineer's route on Sept. 20th, 2012, and the weather was superb.

Good luck!

Re: Sept. 20, 2016
Joe #47158 07/27/16 09:47 PM
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Last year we did Whitney on Sept. 14th. We only had one hour of sunshine after sunrise, then overcast and weather the rest of the day. Hail around noon or so towards the end of the 99 switchbacks, which changed to snow around the summit, and which stayed as snow 3 miles down the descent until it became rain and stayed rain until about 5 or 5:30PM. Had to walk around several "trail streams" and puddles that had formed, rocks were very slippery, and each of the three of us slipped and fell at least once, even with trekking poles.

We are hoping to have something closer to your perfect weather with an 8/22 try this year :-)

Re: Sept. 20, 2016
John Sims #47162 07/28/16 06:27 AM
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Thanks for the info.
We'll hope for blue skies and mild temps.

Re: Sept. 20, 2016
Joe #47167 07/28/16 08:42 PM
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I can't generalize about late September weather, but I can give you a weather report for your time period from five years ago: My wife and I climbed up to Trail Camp in 2011 on September 22 and summited on 9/23. The sky was mostly cloudless both days (i.e., no snow) Our night at TC was windless. Temps were cold when dark (felt like high 20s/low 30s) and cool on the summit, but were never uncomfortable. We were off the mountain on the 23rd, but woke in Lone Pine early on the 24th to some very different conditions: At 8am the summit was completely enveloped in swirling, dark, ugly clouds. One day after perfect weather, the summit didn't look like any place I wanted to be near.

I think major storms aren't typical until October, but be prepared for anything, including weather that changes on you quickly - day to day, or even over just a few hours. Watch the weather reports and conditions and be prepared to bail on a summit attempt if conditions look questionable.

We'll be hiking the mountain on the exact same days this September as we did in 2011, so maybe we'll see you there. Like you, we hope that the weather is good!

Last edited by Dave F; 07/28/16 08:43 PM.
Re: Sept. 20, 2016
Joe #48272 08/31/16 03:04 PM
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I'm going to be hiking Mt. Whitney on Sept 22, 2016. I'm curious as to how cold I should expect it to be at night at Outpost Camp. What did you wear for nighttime sleeping within your sleeping bag in the past? Did you sleep at Outpost Camp or Trail Camp? Thanks much!

Re: Sept. 20, 2016
coolbreeze #48275 08/31/16 10:56 PM
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You should expect temps around 30F overnight.

There is a really useful 7-day temperature graph here from Cottonwood Lakes at 10k elevation. (Link is always on the Whitney Weather page.)


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