Mono Lake in September

April through June gives you the perfect combination of mild weather and active wildlife. Spring migration brings millions of birds, including red-necked phalaropes that create feeding frenzies on the lake surface. September and October offer similar conditions with fall migration, plus fewer crowds. Summer works if you can handle the heat – arrive before 9 AM or after 5 PM to avoid the worst of it. Winter visits are possible but challenging. Snow closes some access roads, and temperatures drop below freezing. But if you can handle the cold, winter offers the most dramatic photography with snow-capped tufa towers. Here's the thing about timing your visit: the lake's water level fluctuates seasonally, affecting which formations are visible above the surface.