Which Is Better for an Above-Treeline Weminuche Wilderness Trip: Second or Third Week of September?

[douglasian]

I'm planning a trip in the Weminuche Wilderness around Silverton/Durango and am hoping to hit that sweet spot when the monsoon season is over and before the mountains receive a few feet of snow.

From what I've gathered looking at climate normals and trip reports, it seems that September is the second wettest month, the monsoon season tends to run later in the San Juans compared to other parts of Colorado, and it's not unheard for the mountains to receive a few feet of snow as early as September 20th.

For those with experience in the area: Would you recommend the second week of September (7th-13th) or the third week (14th-20th) for a mostly above-treeline itinerary?
Any insights on typical weather, storm risk, or snow timing for this part of the area would be much appreciated.

Thanks for your help!

[Tweedie]

At this point I think either one would be fine. I have done plenty of September trips into the San Juans and it is normally a dry month (except the first week sometimes). I don’t know about the climate norms, but my experience has always been that September is nice and dry and great for climbing those peaks. You just run short on daylight sometimes, so early starts are needed.

[greenonion]

I was in Durango last summer about the third week of August. Big thunderstorms most of that week, enough to saturate the area and cause the big rockslide that cancelled the train for a couple of days. Locals told us that later August storms was pretty typical for the San Juan’s and that July was generally better. My train ticket this year is in mid July, so we shall see.

[Scott P]

September is the wettest or 2nd wettest month (on average) in much of the San Juans, but most days still have good weather. Chances are you will have good weather, but just go prepared if you don't
.
The monsoon definitely last longer (and starts later) in the San Juans than say the Front Range (September is the driest month for a lot of that area).

September can be very wet in the San Juans, but there is usually a lot of sunshine too.

[Rambler]

@greenonion Taking the train in on the 21st and there for 2/3 days. Just going for Eolus and N Eolus since I got Sunlight and Windom last time but got stormed out the 3rd day. I'll update conditions as we get back to Durango

[greenonion]

@greenonion Taking the train in on the 21st and there for 2/3 days. Just going for Eolus and N Eolus since I got Sunlight and Windom last time but got stormed out the 3rd day. I'll update conditions as we get back to Durango

Thanks, but I’m headed in about a week before you! Will give a conditions report if I can get to it soon enough before it might get stale