Most people put the boat away in their heads on Labor Day. The locals who don't have the lake almost to themselves for the next six weeks. Here's why fall might be the best part of the boating season in Connecticut, and how to do it right.
After Labor Day, Connecticut lakes get quiet. The water stays warm into September, the air is cooler and clearer, and from late September through mid-October the shorelines turn red and gold. Dress in layers, respect the cold water, and book a foliage cruise or keep your seasonal boat in the water as long as your term allows.
Why fall works so well
- No crowds. The summer traffic disappears after Labor Day. Weekends feel like weekdays in July.
- Warm water, cool air. Lakes hold summer heat, so early September often still means swimming and tubing.
- Calmer water. Fewer boats means smaller wakes and glassy mornings, which is great for waterskiing.
- The foliage. From the water you see the color all around you, with no parking lots. Read foliage cruise vs. hiking.
How the fall season runs
| When | On the water |
|---|---|
| Early September | Still swimming and tubing on warm days. Calm water for skiing |
| Mid-to-late September | Cooler mornings, first color on the hillsides, perfect cruising weather |
| Late Sept – mid-October | Peak foliage on most of our lakes. Book foliage cruises early |
| Late October | Season winds down. Seasonal boats are collected and winterized |
Peak color depends on the weather each year, so check a foliage report before you book a specific weekend.
What to bring
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket, even on a sunny afternoon. It's colder on the water than on land.
- A windbreaker for the ride back. The temperature drops fast after sunset.
- A hat and sunglasses. The low autumn sun reflects off the water.
- A thermos of something hot.
Fall water cools faster than the air. Falling into cold water can cause cold shock within seconds, even for strong swimmers. Wear your life jacket in the fall, not just carry it. Have a plan for getting someone back aboard quickly, and skip towed sports once the water turns cold.
Ways to enjoy the lake in fall
- Fall foliage cruise: captained, warm, unhurried. Ideal for parents' weekends and visiting family. See visiting a Connecticut boarding school.
- September watersports: early-fall mornings bring the calmest water of the year for waterskiing.
- Fall fishing: as the water cools, fish feed more actively. See our fishing charters and best freshwater fishing spots.
- Your seasonal boat: if you have a seasonal rental, the fall weeks are often the best of the year. When the season ends, we pick it up and winterize it. Nothing for you to do.
Quick FAQ
Catch the color from the water
Captained foliage cruises on Lake Lillinonah and nearby lakes through the fall. Quiet water, warm layers, and color on every shoreline.
Book a Charter Fall Foliage Cruises