Summer is the undisputed peak — Memorial Day to Labor Day is when the lake is at full throttle, with warm water, full marinas, and crowds on weekends. July Fourth is the busiest weekend of the year; if you want a slip or a rental boat, book months ahead. Water temperatures reach the mid-70s Fahrenheit by July.
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer the best value. The crowds thin out, prices drop, and the wooded hills put on colour in October. Many waterfront restaurants stay open through October; fewer remain open November through March.
Winters are mild by Midwest standards — retirees and full-time residents keep the area livable year-round — but most tourist-facing businesses close or cut back hours between Thanksgiving and Easter.