When is the best time to go to Colorado?

The best time to go to Colorado can vary, depending on how you want to spend your time in the Centennial State. From world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter to picturesque hiking and mountain biking in the summer, Colorado is all about outdoor recreation, which is largely seasonal and weather-dependent.

But not everything takes place outside. Colorado is also home to tranquil spas, thought-provoking museums, great shopping and other year-round pursuits. So while Mother Nature can serve as your guide, she shouldn’t be the only factor you consider. The state also encompasses many different landscapes, and it's vital to keep in mind that the weather varies greatly depending on location – for instance, temperatures may be spiking in Denver while some mountainous regions are still covered in snow.

Plan your next trip to Colorado with our breakdown of the best activities and festivals throughout the year.

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June to August is the best time to get outdoors

Weather in Colorado in summer: Temperatures vary across the state, with the Eastern Plains, Front Range and Western Slope experiencing up to the low 90s, whereas towns in the Rocky Mountains stay at a blissful mid-60s to 70s.

Whatever your sport of choice, you can probably do it in Colorado in the summer. Hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, stand-up paddle boarding, fly fishing, road cycling, camping and birdwatching are just some of the many outdoor pursuits you’ll find here between June and August – all set against a stunning natural backdrop, of course.

Tons of celebratory festivals – ranging from the Palisade Peach Festival to the Vail Wine Classic – take place primarily outdoors between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Summer is also wildflower season in Colorado, with vivid red paint brushes, delicate lavender-and-white columbines, and bold purple penstemons putting on a colorful display. And if you’re hoping to bag a “fourteener” – Colorado-speak for hiking to the top of a 14,000ft mountain – late summer is also your best bet.

Whether you prefer a more low-key outdoor activity or need to recover from heavy travel days, summer is the peak season for visiting one of Colorado’s many picturesque natural hot springs. If you’re staying in Denver, you can visit Indian Hot Springs in the town of Idaho Springs as an easy day trip. 

Those planning a mountain getaway should consider Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs or Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, featuring the world’s largest hot springs pool. To the south in Pagosa Springs, you’ll find Overlook Hot Springs Spa, The Springs Resort and Healing Waters Resort & Spa.

Summer weather varies greatly throughout the state. On the often-overlooked Eastern Plains – the flat part of the state that shares a border with Nebraska and Kansas – temperatures are usually in the upper 80s and low 90s, with occasional spikes into the low 100s. The same is generally true for the communities along the Front Range, like Colorado Springs, Denver and Fort Collins, as well as cities on the Western Slope, like Grand Junction. Though there isn’t as much humidity as in other parts of the country, summers can still be very hot at lower elevations in Colorado.

In the Rocky Mountains, however, it’s a different story altogether. If you visit mountain towns like Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge and Silverthorne between June and August, you’ll experience blissfully cool temperatures in the 60s and 70s. That’s a big reason why many Denver metro-area residents head to higher elevations once the weather heats up. So, while summers in the mountains are amazing, they also come with bigger crowds, more expensive accommodations and other ripple effects of peak tourism.

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September to October is the best time for fall foliage

Weather in Colorado in fall: Temperatures are still quite warm in September, but this changes in October as the winter chill starts to roll in, and they can dip into the 30s. Pack plenty of layers.

If you love to go leaf-peeping, there’s no better place to be than the Colorado Rockies in autumn. From September through October, the normally lime-green leaves of aspen trees transform into a rich, golden-yellow hue. They stand in stark contrast to the deep green shades of pine, spruce, fir and other evergreen trees, which creates a gorgeous spectacle. Some of the best places for viewing Colorado’s spectacular fall foliage are the Peak to Peak Highway, Kenosha Pass and Buffalo Pass, to name a few.

Autumn is also harvest season for Colorado’s many hardworking fruit growers, especially those who specialize in apples and wine grapes. You can get in on the action yourself by visiting one of the many family-friendly “u-pick” orchards located around the state, with a high concentration near Palisade, Grand Junction and Paonia on the Western Slope. Pumpkin patches, corn mazes and annual festivals are also abundant this time of year.

Fall has historically been one of two shoulder seasons in Colorado, but mountain towns can still get busy during peak fall foliage season, especially on the weekends. Overall, though, you’ll find fewer crowds and cheaper lodging options throughout the state in September and October.

Temperatures are fairly warm in September, then really start to drop off in October. In the Denver metro area, they can even dip into the 30s in October. And in the mountains, they can range from the mid-20s to the mid-50s. Dress in layers, and be prepared for substantial swings between sunny days and cool nights.

December to March is best for snowy adventures

Weather in Colorado in winter: Colorado does winter well, with low, crisp temperatures on sunny days and ample snowfall. Pack your warmest winter gear and prepare for crowds – this is a very popular time to visit.

Colorado ski slopes beckon from December to March. The state is home to more than 25 different resorts, which range from big, well-known spots like Vail Ski Resort to lesser-known, smaller operations like Sunlight Mountain Ski Resort and Granby Ranch.

For non-skiers, there’s still plenty to do in the winter, from high-adrenaline pursuits like snowmobiling to more mellow excursions like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Many mountain town hotels have large, upscale spas, which are the perfect place to stay warm on a chilly day. And if your idea of a vacation involves cozying up in front of a roaring fireplace with a good book, you’ll find plenty of coffee shops or restaurants to do that in Colorado in the winter, too. For example, you can enjoy Japanese cuisine at Matsuhisa in Aspen or sip a hot cup of the viral Haute Chocolate at the Four Seasons in Vail.

The snowy landscape also creates some pretty magical dining experiences. For example, to indulge in a five-course meal at Beano’s Cabin, located at Beaver Creek Resort, you’ll need to climb aboard a sleigh pulled by a snowcat (a big, industrial vehicle typically used to move snow) and take a ride under the stars. In Aspen, diners must cross-country ski, snowshoe or ride in a horse-drawn sleigh to reach Pine Creek Cookhouse. 

Winter is also an ideal time for wildlife viewing, particularly birds, which are easier to see because of the lack of foliage on many trees. Bald eagles congregate at Barr Lake State Park, snow geese flock to Lamar and waterfowl throughout the state are wearing their most colorful plumage to attract mates. In February and March, roughly 20,000 sandhill cranes arrive in the San Luis Valley, near Monte Vista and Alamosa, as they migrate north. While you’re in the area, grab a pint at San Luis Valley Brewing Co or take a stroll through the San Luis Valley Museum.

In the mountains, winter means peak tourism in Colorado, so prepare to spend a lot of money on a ski-centric vacation. But if you visit nearly anywhere else in the state, you’ll have a much more relaxed, affordable experience. While everyone else is shredding powder in the mountains, head to attractions that are typically crowded in the summer, like the Garden of the Gods. The red rock formations look especially striking when they’re covered with a light dusting of snow – and you won’t be elbowing anyone else for the best view or have to pay an entry fee. Rocky Mountain National Park – the fifth most-visited national park in the country – is also much less busy in the winter, and there’s still plenty to do and see.

April and May are best for budget travelers

Weather in Colorado in spring: Some years the mountains will still be snowy by April but it's often turning to mud by spring. There can be quite a bit of rain, so keep a light jacket to hand in case of showers.

Ski season often extends into April (and, during particularly good snow years, even into May and June). But, for the most part, ski tourism tends to start winding down in the spring. As such, it’s a great time to visit Colorado on a budget.

In the mountains, you’ll be able to catch the tail end of spring skiing, when the days are longer, the weather is typically sunny (punctuated by occasional big dumps of snow), and the mood is lively and fun. And, at this point in the season, most travelers have moved on, so you’ll be sharing the slopes primarily with Colorado residents and festival-goers. 

You can usually find more affordable lodging rates during this time, too – though be forewarned that during “mud season,” many restaurants and businesses close up shop for a few weeks to recuperate after the busy winter. 

April and May see lighter crowds at Colorado’s national parks and are also an opportune time to explore the state by train. Located in southwest Colorado, Durango is an under-the-radar city situated conveniently near both Great Sand Dunes National Park and Mesa Verde National Park. The old mining spot is populated with several charming, historic hotels and is home to the iconic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Though hiking trails in the mountains are muddy or still covered in snow on the eastern side of the mountains, April and May are the best months to spot fields of Colorado wildflowers in the west. You’ll also find plenty of spots to get out and stretch your legs at lower elevations. 

Spring can be quite rainy, so it’s also an ideal time to wander through a museum. For history buffs, the Molly Brown House Museum in Denver offers an intimate look at the life and home of one of the most famous Titanic survivors. In contrast, the wacky, immersive art installations at Meow Wolf are well-suited for exploration and photo ops. 

Spend an afternoon sipping pints at a Denver brewery like Station 26 Brewing, which often has food trucks on site. Or head out of Denver to tour some of the bigger-name breweries, such as Coors in Golden and New Belgium Brewing in Fort Collins. If beer isn’t your thing, plan a trip to one of Colorado’s two wine regions – the Grand Valley American Viticultural Area and the West Elks American Viticultural Area, both in the Western part of the state – and sample reds, whites and rosés made by high-elevation vineyards.