We've been heading up to the boundary waters for a handful of years now but this year we'll be up September 8th-16th when we're usually there a full month earlier. I know obviously it will be cooler temp wise but is the water generally warm enough to swim this time of year or will it have gone cold by then?

Obviously being comfortable warm and dry is a key factor in enjoying your time up there, any recommendations on gloves? Not sure if I should be looking at neoprene paddle gloves (never used them before) or just regular old mid-weight gloves to keep the hands warm around camp.. thoughts?

I personally like to use fingerless wool gloves when I steelhead fish in the spring time- I think my hands get more water on them fishing than paddling. Though I like 100% wool, I also use army surplus "wool" blend gloves not sure on percentage of wool, the price is right on those. Had a pair of fleece fingerless once... were completely worthless when wet. The wool gives me a bigger range to use them (wet or dry), even though dry fleece does feel nice.

As for swimming past labor day? Depends on amount of sunshine for me.

Water temps will probably be in the mid to upper 60's. Maybe lower 70's in the shallows on sunny days. Air temps a little cooler than now but not cold by any means(of course that's a subjective thing).

We have swum that time of year. The trick is making sure you can warm up afterwards. A warm tent in the afternoon can be quite nice after a swim. On a cold, cloudy day it may be better to skip or just take a quick dip.

Thanks! Just getting a little anxious as I start to pack and would hate to overlook something that would add to comfort (warmth) as temps drop.

Now I just need to find some wool gloves :)

You are probably aware of this, but the biggest difference for me was the shorter days. As you get into September it becomes noticeable how quickly the sun sets in the early evening and suddenly you don't have all of your chores done. ;-)

The hard part about the September trips is the weather will probably be 70 and 50, and you wouldn't need any. Or it could be 20 degrees hotter or colder. I've seen 90 and 30 in Sept. Water temps will be what AmarilloJim said. Take extra stuff and adjust right before entry based on the forecast.

Last year mid September I took a dip in Gaskin Lake. Water temperatures will depend on how warm it is between now and then, and your decision to swim on how warm it is that particular day.