Month-by-month: Best time to visit Skytop Lodge
Best overall: late May through September for summer activities (beach, boating, Aquatic Center and most outdoor programs). Best single month: October for fall foliage and mild weather; December–February is the season for on-site skiing, snow tubing and winter scenery.
In this guide
- January–February — Winter sports and a quiet lodge
- March–May — Early spring waterfalls and lower rates
- June–September — Summer activities and lake access (best overall)
- September–October — Peak fall foliage and comfortable weather (best single month: October)
- November — Quiet shoulder season and lower crowds
- December — Holiday atmosphere and winter activities
January–February — Winter sports and a quiet lodge
Why go: This is true winter season in the Poconos when Skytop Lodge’s Adventure Center runs skiing and snow tubing on a gentle 295-foot vertical slope, the Pavilion becomes an ice rink, and trails and grounds are snowy for snowshoeing.
What to expect: Cold temperatures, regular snowfall, quieter public areas than summer, and family-friendly winter programming. The Aquatic Center remains open year-round (indoor pool and splash pad 9:00 am–9:00 pm).
- On-site winter activities: skiing, snow tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing
- Indoor options: Aquatic Center (pool, splash pad, hydro spa for ages 16+), The Nest spa (age 18+ for treatments)
- Dining: Windsor and The Taproom operate through winter (reservations required for Windsor and Lakeview)
| Good for | Bring |
|---|---|
| Family snow play & lessons | Warm layers, waterproof boots |
| Couples seeking a quieter lodge stay | Restaurant reservations for dinner |
| Spa treatments after outdoor activity | ID required for check-in (21+) and spa age limits |
March–May — Early spring waterfalls and lower rates
Why go: Spring brings melting snow and higher waterfall flows nearby (Bushkill Falls and Raymondskill Falls) and quieter trails on the 5,500-acre estate. Late spring opens up more outdoor programming as temperatures climb.
What to expect: Variable weather—early spring can be chilly with lingering snow; late spring (May) sees milder days in the 50s–60s°F. Rates and crowds are often lower than summer, but some seasonal services may ramp up gradually.
- Best for: waterfall viewing, fishing, early-season hiking on 11 year-round trails
- Facilities: Aquatic Center is open year-round; some lakeside services and Wibit access start Memorial Day weekend and expand into June
- Tip: Bring layered clothing; expect muddy or wet trail conditions in early spring
| Month | Typical conditions |
|---|---|
| March–April | Cool, variable; waterfalls strong |
| May | Warmer days; trails greener; lower crowd levels |
June–September — Summer activities and lake access (best overall)
Why go: Late May through September is the best stretch for lake beach and Wibit, paddling, on-site boat rentals, hiking, biking, zip lines, the TreeTop Adventure course, and daily family programming.
What to expect: Warm, humid days in the 60s–80s°F range, more organized activities (up to 22 options some days), higher occupancy and more full-service dining hours. The beach and Wibit follow specific summer hours (daily 10:00 am–6:00 pm when open).
- Top activities: lake beach & Wibit (weight and life-jacket rules apply), kayaking/canoeing, golf, Adventure Center offerings
- Indoor backup: Aquatic Center (indoor pool and splash pad) open daily 9:00 am–9:00 pm
- Dining: Corner Roast opens early for coffee; The Market runs an Ice Cream Social daily 3:00 pm–5:00 pm
| Service | Typical availability |
|---|---|
| Wibit & beach | Memorial Day–Father’s Day weekends limited; daily from June 22–Labor Day |
| Lakeview restaurant | Open seasonally for dinner (reservations required) |
| Outdoor programming | Expanded in June–August |
September–October — Peak fall foliage and comfortable weather (best single month: October)
Why go: Fall foliage peaks in September–October across the Poconos; October often combines cool, comfortable daytime temperatures with vibrant leaves and active estate programming without summer humidity.
What to expect: Cooler nights, daytime highs in the 40s–70s°F range depending on the month, scenic views from walking trails (including the 1.6-mile Lake Trail) and good conditions for hiking, golf and photography.
- Best for: leaf-peeping, hiking, day trips to Bushkill Falls and Delaware Water Gap
- Crowds: Busy on peak foliage weekends—book Windsor or Lakeview dinner reservations in advance
- Tip: Pack a warm layer for evenings and early mornings; some summer lakeside services may close after Labor Day
| Month | Why visit |
|---|---|
| September | Early foliage, still-warm days, lower humidity |
| October | Peak color for many years; best single month to visit |
November — Quiet shoulder season and lower crowds
Why go: November is a true shoulder month with fewer visitors at local attractions and lower lodging demand before winter ski season ramps up. Trails are open but weather can be cool and unpredictable.
What to expect: Reduced on-site programming compared with summer and fall-peak weekends, easier tee times on the 18-hole Skytop Golf course, and good deals on accommodations—though some seasonal venues may be limited.
- Good for: quieter lodge stays, relaxed hiking, visiting nearby attractions with smaller crowds
- Services: Aquatic Center remains open year-round; check seasonal hours for Lakeview and other outlets
- Note: November weather is variable—bring layers and be prepared for rain or early snow
| Consider if you want | Why November |
|---|---|
| Low crowds & value | Fewer guests, easier dining/reservations |
| Access to estates and trails | Trails open year-round for guests |
| Short day trips | Nearby Bushkill Falls and Delaware Water Gap less crowded |
December — Holiday atmosphere and winter activities
Why go: December pairs holiday decorations and programming in the Main Lodge with on-site winter sports as snow allows. The Aquatic Center keeps family options open indoors, while the Lodge common areas are often decorated for the season.
What to expect: Cold weather and possible snow; increased demand around holiday weekends. The Nest spa (age 18+ for treatments) and indoor amenities provide alternatives when it’s too cold for extended outdoor time.
- Good for: holiday-themed stays, family ski weekends, and cozy indoor dining at Windsor or The Taproom
- Plan ahead: book dining and ski/snow activity times early for holiday weekends
- Facility notes: check pool pre-booking rules and availability; the hydro spa and dry sauna are for guests 16+
| Holiday period | Expectation |
|---|---|
| Early–mid December | Fewer crowds, holiday decor |
| Holiday weekends | Higher occupancy; reserve restaurants and activities |
| Late December (holidays) | Peak winter demand—book well in advance |
