I grew up and learned to fly in Idaho, so you'd think I'd know the answer to this question, but do you think it would be better, weather-wise, to plan a long backcountry trip for the time period around the Fourth of July, or in September around Labor Day?

My wife and I are planning to take a week to ten days this summer to air-camp in Idaho and Utah. The idea is to block out the weeks before and after either the Fourth or Labor Day, and then go when the weather seems most appropriate. If we have to choose to plan around either the Fourth or Labor Day, but not both, which should we choose?

I'm leaning towards the time around Labor Day as more likely to have better flying conditions. What do you think?

Historically, the weather is usually much better at Labor day than at the 4th. However... weather patterns have been atypical for the last couple of years, so plan for the worst and hope for the best.

I think Sept would be better for at least Utah...cooler temps. My wife & I used to vacation in Colorado & Wyoming Labor Day week for years. Most everyting was still open, the temps more moderate, campgrounds less crowded, and fewer rowdys to contend with.

September and October are dreamy in Southern Utah with an occasional weather surprise. July is too hot to do anything but dip your toes in Lake Powell.

But.. the weather has been weird lately.

kevbert wrote:Historically, the weather is usually much better at Labor day than at the 4th. However... weather patterns have been atypical for the last couple of years, so plan for the worst and hope for the best.

What he said.... late fall is hard to beat.

courierguy wrote:

kevbert wrote:Historically, the weather is usually much better at Labor day than at the 4th. However... weather patterns have been atypical for the last couple of years, so plan for the worst and hope for the best.

What he said.... late fall is hard to beat.

I concur

However, if you catch it just right with the Wx, July would be fairly nice, too. Late spring is amazing in the mountains. Lots of lush grassy green, flowery meadows.

58Skylane wrote:However, if you catch it just right with the Wx, July would be fairly nice, too. Late spring is amazing in the mountains. Lots of lush grassy green, flowery meadows.

And lots of mosquitoes! (not the ones made by de Havilland!)

In Idaho the main thing you have to worry about if you want to go late in the year is the fire season. Early July you should beat any fires. If there are any big fires they will likely still be burning in late September filling your trip with smoke and TFRs. If you want to do any fishing you have to go before Labor day.

Good point, Whee! There has been very little snow so far this winter, which should make for a worse than usual fire season this year.

The smart move would be to plan the July trip, then you have the option of canceling for bad weather and rescheduling later.