Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Weather in August?

I just got my permit and actually got my second choice of dates, August 22. A few hiking friends have eluded to this maybe not being a good date because of Monsoon weather. I have attempted the summit twice, the first time I summited around 1:00 p.m. and had bad weather on the switchbacks and after that no problems. The second time only made it to the top of switchbacks because the weather was looking bad and I knew I would be getting there too late. My friends made it and were in the snow. I am planning to start at midnite the night before and come down fairly early. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated

Sounds like a great plan to me.

I have started at midnight on many occasions. I give myself a turnaround time of 1:00 p.m. no matter where I am on the trail. So far, I have made it to the summit in great time (9:00 or 10:00 am summit) and had the joy of having fun on the way back. And starting early, you beat the crowds and you encounter them on your way down as they head up! I do hate that last 2.5 miles to the summit from Trail Crest and from Lone Pine Lake to the TH, but that is just the rewards of a summit and a burger and fries. It is worth it! Every excruciating step!

As far as the monsoonals, anything can happen in this "El Nino" year. It has snowed in August.

Plan accordingly and most importantly...

Have fun

The only thing predictable about Sierra weather is its unpredictability.

I've been on this summit in August when it was 60* F and 10* F.

I had trips in the Sierra when the forest was 30% chance of rain our first day in, where in rained all 4 days.

Leaving at midnight and being off the summit by 10 AM will keep you out of electrical storms most but not all days.

Come prepared for the worst and be pleasantly surprised when it isn't.

I hope you didn't blame dmatt!

I agree...anything can happen.

But think positive!

Have fun!

Thanks for the input;) It has helped. I can't wait for August now!

We just want to see the pictures of smiling faces on the summit!

Have fun.

Hey Hikermom1,

I will be up there on the 21st. I have a few that have never done Whitney before so this is going to be interesting. But as always "fun". I have a group of 10 going up.

We will be staying at the Hostel in town so maybe we will run into each other and I can tell you how it was.

It is always very exciting to hike Whitney.

Hi M. Mouse,

I'll be in a party of 2, my husband and I. I haven't made reservations yet, so I better get on it. What time are you guys starting your hike?

Hikermom1

We normally start at 3 am, but a few of us are starting at 2. We have a slower pace then all the guys.

We should be back in town by 4 or 5.