What Is the Best Time to Travel to Colorado?
Snow bunnies love Colorado’s winters, but the gorgeous weather makes Colorado a hiker’s heaven in the summer.
Written by Jacqulyn Graber
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The Centennial State’s diverse and scenic landscape makes it the perfect destination for outdoorsy folks, but knowing when to visit
Colorado
depends on just what kind of adventure you’re seeking. Snow bunnies love Colorado’s winters, and hikers relish in the summery weather, but those looking for lighter crowds prefer spring and fall.From the Rocky Mountains to the Great Sand Dunes, Colorful Colorado is full of breathtaking sights and an endless list of things to do, so deciding when to visit can feel a bit overwhelming. Hiking and mountain biking could be impossible during the winter months, whereas you won’t find snow at most elevations in August.
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The best times of year to travel to Colorado
The best time to visit Colorado depends on what you’re hoping to do while there. Winter is the obvious choice if you’re planning to hit the slopes. If you’re itching to see some waterfalls and rock formations, summer is a safer bet. But, if you don’t mind unpredictable weather and want to avoid crowds, aim for fall or spring.
Winter season: late November to early April
The good: Powdery snow, abundant trails, and mild temperatures
The bad: Expensive flights, crowded resorts, icy roads
The weather: Mid-40s to low 60s
Most Colorado ski mountain resorts are open from late October to early April, depending on snow conditions. However, early and late season conditions can be unpredictable regarding snow totals and quality. While January is typically the coldest month, February and March see the most snowfall on average, offering the best conditions for winter sports.
Other popular wintertime activities include hot springs, ice skating, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and various
snow and ice festivals
.Pro Tip If you’re planning on traveling to Colorado in the winter, make your reservations early to secure your spot! Popular resorts, restaurants, and experiences can book up fast.
Summer season: June to September
The good: Low humidity, diverse landscapes
The bad: Limited accommodations, high prices
The weather: High 70s to low 90s
If you want to experience scenic landscapes without the snow and the cold, you’ll find the perfect weather during Colorado’s summer months.
Adventurous travelers visit Colorado from June to December to hike the Rocky Mountains, go sandboarding in the Great Sand Dunes, or explore the downhill trails of Crested Butte via mountain bike. From an abundance of nationally renowned craft breweries, to a
long list of summer festivals
, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the sunshine. Colorado is absolutely gorgeous in the summer, which means tourists flock in from every direction. Accommodations may be limited as many ski resorts close entirely outside of ski season, so hotels can be expensive and book up fast.
Off-season: October to early November, late April to May
The good: Lowest rates, smallest crowds
The bad: Unpredictable weather
The weather: Mid-40s to mid-80s
While Colorado remains a popular destination for visitors throughout the summer and winter seasons, tourism slows down in the spring and fall. If you’re looking to save some cash and you’re not deterred by unpredictable weather, October-November or April-May can be the best time to visit Colorado.
There are plenty of activities for travelers to enjoy in the Centennial State, rain or shine. Denver is home to several educational museums, like the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, as well as trendy restaurants and hipster breweries.
The cheapest time to travel to Colorado
If saving money is your number one priority, book your Colorado visit for the fall or spring. During these seasons, the unpredictable weather keeps outdoor enthusiasts at bay. You’ll find the best deals on flights in September, October, and May.
If you do want to experience Colorado’s picturesque snowfall, you may be able to find some inexpensive options depending on where you stay. While ski town resorts are pricey all winter long, December is one of the cheapest times to book a hotel in Denver due to a drop-off in business travel.
MORE: The five best Colorado road trips
Find the best month for your visit to Colorado
Ready to narrow down the perfect month to travel to the Centennial State? Check out the table below to find the ideal time for your Colorado adventure based on the activities you’re planning.
Activity | Best month to visit | Why? |
|---|---|---|
Skiing, snowboarding | February to March | The weather coldest month of the year has passed, but snowfall is at a record high, meaning plenty of fresh powder to shred. |
Hiking, mountain biking | June or September | You’ll enjoy low humidity and consistently sunny days without enduring the high mid-summer temperatures. |
White water rafting | May to June | While beginners can enjoy white water rafting in Colorado all summer long, run-offs from melting mountain snow mean water peaks in the late spring, making for the most impressive rapids. |
Craft brewery tours | October, November, April, or May | You can sample beer in any weather, so if you’re a craft beer fan, choose a month with small crowds and cheap accommodations |
Camping | June through September | The winter months are packed with snow, so driving a camper or pitching a tent will be less than ideal. Opt for a summer trip if you’re interested in sleeping under the stars. |
Pro Tip You’ll find outdoor adventures and great attractions year-round in Colorado, so plan your trip based on cost and convenience if you’re not interested in a specific outdoor sport.
How to find savings on car and rental insurance
Whether you’re driving to Colorado or
renting a car
while you’re there, make sure you’ve got a solid car insurance policy in place so you’re protected on your trip. Jerry
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On average, Jerry users save about $887 a year on car insurance. With savings like that, you might be able to afford that high season vacation of your dreams!
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FAQs
What is the worst time to travel to Colorado?
There’s no bad time to visit Colorado, so the “worst” travel conditions will depend on your preferences. If you can’t stand the snow, definitely avoid the winter months. If crowds get you down, both the winter and summertime will be unappealing. If you want predictable temperatures, avoid spring or fall.
What months are wildfire season in Colorado?
Wildfire season generally runs from May through September, though Colorado can experience wildfires all year round.
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