When to Visit
Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.
January
In Colorado, winter takes full hold, with snow covering the state’s mountains. Ski resorts like Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge are in their prime, attracting skiers and snowboarders from around the world. Temperatures in the mountains often dip to -5°C, but sunny days in Denver and the Colorado Springs area provide a pleasant respite, with average temperatures around 1°C., yet peaking in the day to 9°C.
February
February offers excellent skiing conditions, with -3°C temperatures in the ski areas, making it a top choice for winter sports. Denver sees more snow but is still a great place for cultural activities like visiting the Denver Art Museum or catching a show at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. In Colorado Springs, visitors can explore Garden of the Gods with its striking red rock formations, as winter brings fewer crowds.
March
As the snow begins to melt in the lowlands, the slopes remain busy. March in Colorado offers the best of both worlds—winter sports in the mountains and the start of spring activities in the cities. Vail and Beaver Creek still see skiing conditions, with temperatures around -2°C, while Denver starts to warm up, making it perfect for outdoor festivals and exploring local parks.
April
Spring slowly makes its way into the Rockies, with temperatures in Denver averaging around 13°C - with highs of 18°C. The mountains still offer skiing, with resorts like Arapahoe Basin keeping the slopes open late into the season. Lower elevations start to bloom with wildflowers, and hiking in places like Rocky Mountain National Park becomes more enjoyable as the weather warms.
May
By May, Colorado begins to shift into spring in earnest. Denver sees temperatures around 18°C, and outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and rafting become popular. Aspen and other mountain resorts are less crowded, but snow sports can still be enjoyed early in the month. In Colorado Springs, explore Pikes Peak as it opens to visitors, and Boulder’s farmers' markets begin to fill with fresh produce.
June
Summer arrives in Colorado, bringing warm temperatures of 20-25°C and highs of 30°C in the cities. The Rocky Mountain National Park offers incredible hiking and wildlife watching, while Denver enjoys outdoor concerts and festivals. The high-altitude areas, including Telluride, have pleasant days with temperatures hovering around 15°C, and the ski season officially ends in most mountain resorts, making room for hiking and mountain biking.
July
July in Colorado is warm, with cities like Denver reaching around 30°C or more, perfect for visiting the Denver Botanic Gardens or enjoying a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The mountains offer cooler temperatures, with the average at 15°C. Festivals like the Colorado Shakespeare Festival and Denver County Fair are popular, and it’s a great time for white-water rafting on the Arkansas River.
August
August is the height of summer in Colorado, with temperatures climbing to 32°C in the cities like Denver and Boulder. The high country stays cooler, with Vail and Aspen averaging around 20°C. The Telluride Film Festival and Breckenridge's International Festival of Arts offer cultural entertainment, and the state’s outdoor activities, from mountain biking to hiking, thrive.
September
As summer fades, Colorado enjoys crisp mornings and pleasant daytime temperatures averaging around 20°C in cities like Denver. Fall festivals start to fill the calendar, including the Great American Beer Festival in Denver and the Oktoberfest in Breckenridge. In the mountains, the changing foliage of the Aspen trees creates beautiful landscapes, especially in Rocky Mountain National Park and along the San Juan Skyway.
October
Autumn is at its peak in Colorado, with temperatures dropping to 10-15°C in the cities and cooler in the mountains by the end of the month. The Aspen forests show off brilliant shades of gold, and scenic drives through places like Boulder Canyon and Cottonwood Pass are popular. The Denver Film Festival and Pumpkin Fest in Parker bring unique local events, and it’s a great time for hiking, apple picking, and scenic train rides.
November
November sees the start of winter in the mountains, with the ski resorts opening their doors for the season. Denver cools down to 5-10°C, but it's still a great time for visiting museums, such as the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The lowlands start to experience more snow, especially in places like Aspen and Steamboat Springs, while Breckenridge and Vail ramp up for the ski season.
December
With temperatures in the low 0°C range in cities like Denver, December kicks off the full winter season. The Rocky Mountains are alive with skiers, snowboarders, and festive events. Denver lights up with the Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park, and in Aspen, the Christmas spirit fills the streets with lights and events. Whether enjoying winter sports or holiday shopping, December is a festive time across the state.
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