Will you see Moraine Lake? Clear-view odds by month
Short answer: Moraine Lake is most likely to be visible in July, when 40% of mornings are mostly clear, and least likely in November (12%). Mornings and afternoons are similar.
The road is open roughly June to mid-October. Smoke from wildfires can haze the view in late summer.
How often the view from the Rockpile is clear
| Month | Clear mornings (7–9 am) | Clear afternoons (2–4 pm) | Overcast mornings |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9% | 16% | 75% |
| February | 9% | 14% | 68% |
| March | 15% | 16% | 64% |
| April | 19% | 13% | 54% |
| May | 25% | 12% | 46% |
| June | 22% | 11% | 45% |
| July | 40% | 19% | 28% |
| August | 35% | 18% | 32% |
| September | 23% | 20% | 50% |
| October | 10% | 20% | 72% |
| November | 4% | 12% | 84% |
| December | 7% | 19% | 78% |
Tours
Questions
What is the best month to see Moraine Lake?
Moraine Lake is most likely to be visible in July, when 40% of mornings are mostly clear, and least likely in November (12%). Mornings and afternoons are similar.
Is Moraine Lake clearer in the morning or the afternoon?
There is little difference between mornings and afternoons over the year.
How often is Moraine Lake hidden by cloud?
In November, 84% of mornings are overcast; in July only 28%. The road is open roughly June to mid-October. Smoke from wildfires can haze the view in late summer.
Share of days from 2016-2025 when total cloud cover averaged under 30% in the given hours, from ERA5 reanalysis (Copernicus) via Open-Meteo, on a ~25 km grid around Banff, Canada. Peaks can make their own cloud that the grid misses; check a webcam on the day.