What Should You Wear for Rafting in Colorado in September? Essential Clothing & Gear Tips
September in Colorado is a strange in-between season on the river. Days can still feel like summer by early afternoon, but mornings carry a real chill, and river temperatures can be noticeably cooler after the peak summer runoff period. If you are wondering what to wear while rafting in September, the short version is: layer smart, skip the cotton, and plan for temperature swings between the put-in and take-out. This guide breaks down what to wear, when a wetsuit or splash layer may make sense, and what to bring before and after your trip, so you can prepare for Colorado's changing September conditions without overpacking. Why September Rafting Clothing Is Different By September, many Colorado rivers have moved beyond peak runoff, but conditions can vary widely by river and trip. Air temperatures at higher elevations can be chilly in the morning and warm considerably by midday. Cool mornings, cold river water, wind, and splash make September different from a typical July outing. Y...