Best time to visit Colorado

January is known as the coldest month in Colorado when the temperatures drop significantly across the state. Average lows dip below the freezing point, and average highs reach 49°F (9.4°C) in their peak. The Front Range cities, including Denver and Colorado Springs, tend to be warmer at this time of year. This happens thanks to Chinook winds that might bring temperatures of 70°F (21°C) and higher to the eastern areas of the state. Western Colorado is usually colder in winter, rarely getting above the freezing point. January brings abundant snowfalls in the Rockies, which makes for perfect skiing in places like Aspen. Short days and severely cold nights hint to find a warm and cozy place to stay. Besides occasional snowstorms, the days are mostly dry. Keep in mind that the Colorado climate is known for its microclimates ranging from a cold desert type in the south to alpine type up north. Moreover, due to the state’s topography, places within a few mile distances can experience entirely different weather.

Cold weather prevails in Colorado in February. Day temperatures hover slightly below and above the freezing point but rarely go above 55°F (12.8°C). In most areas, nights are cold and bitter. Mountainous territories experience alpine conditions with thick snow carpet on the slopes and roads, causing occasional road closures. February is an excellent time for skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling in the Colorado Rockies. The climate in the Eastern Plains in February is also cold and snowy. Sunny days are kind of rare, and so are snowstorms, but they tend to be severe. Even though humidity is low, the biting cold might surprise you. The lowest official air temperature was recorded at Maybell in northeast Colorado on February 1, 1985, which was −61 °F (−51.7 °C). So, pack warm and hope this year the record won’t be broken this year. Also, drive carefully on the icy roads of Colorado!

Early spring in Colorado is rather cold, but daily temperatures start climbing up slowly and finally settling above freezing. Night temperatures are still bitterly cold, ensuring frosty mornings knocking on your window. Average highs and lows differ across the regions of Colorado, with eastern areas enjoying slightly warmer days. Most precipitation comes in the form of snow, and occasional rain turns into ice overnight. Western Colorado and the Rocky Mountains receive plenty of snow, thus, winter sports are in full swing. The Eastern Plains receive loads snow in March as well, but relatively little. March in Colorado is mostly dry with an average of 18 sunny days across the state. Bring warm clothes and join the (dark) cold side!

Spring is in full swing in April. Day temperatures a generally warm, while night temperatures might still drop slightly below freezing. Lower plateau regions see massive thawing in mid-April, while the ice caps stay intact on the mountaintops on higher altitudes. In some resorts, skiing season lasts well into April. As the snow starts to melt gradually, rivers and lakes revive with bubbling freshwater. April is the wettest month of the year in eastern areas of Colorado with frequent but brief rainstorms. The days get longer and sunnier, and nature awakens with blossoms and animals roaming in the wild.

In May days are long and sunny. The weather gets more T-shirt friendly, but consider bringing a jacket for colder days, especially if you plan some outdoor activities. Western areas of Colorado are colder, especially up in the mountains and arid zones, where night temperatures drop significantly after sunset. Denver receives lots of rains in May, but generally the east of the Continental Divide is warmer than the west. The number of sunny days in May increases to 20–22, yet be alert as thunderstorms strike unexpectedly. As the snow continues to melt, rivers offer excellent white water rafting experience.

Summer finally kicks in, the temperatures are perfect for all sorts of outdoor activities, so it’s a great time to explore the natural beauty of Colorado. Average highs hover between 70°F (21.1°C) and 87°F (30.6°C), while the average lows are within the range of 35°F (1.7°C) to 55°F (12.8°C). Western regions of Colorado, including mountainous resorts like Aspen, register comfortably warm average temperatures, while eastern parts of Colorado around Pueblo and La Junta are relatively hot, reaching up to 87°F (30.6°C) on a sunny day. Long days bring ample sunshine to the state of Colorado, with most weeks promising good weather with short bursts of rain. The Eastern Plains are within the extreme western part of Tornado Alley; thus, summers in Colorado are prone to frequent thunderstorms and tornadoes. Thunderstorms are often accompanied by hail, so pack accordingly and plan a shelter for outdoor adventures.

Generally, July is labeled as the hottest month in Colorado. The peak summer weather is prevailing in the desert lands and the plains. The average high temperatures across the state range from 78°F (25.6°C) to 94°F (34.4°C). Some places experience even hotter days, and a thermometer showing some 95°F (35°C) for several consecutive days is a common occurrence. Temperatures change dramatically from the morning to the afternoon, so you might need to dress for two seasons in a day. In July, rain is scarce in Colorado, humidity rarely exceeds 50%, and long days with plenty of sunshine are the norm. However, always keep the infamous summer thunderstorms and hail hazard when planning your trip.

Colorado’s August is notorious for brief afternoon thunderstorms, but they quickly make way for dry heat, especially down south on the plains and prairies. Average temperatures across the state range from 48°F (8.9°C) to 90°F (32.2°C). More than 20 days of clear skies promise ample sunshine throughout the month. The deserts and the plains experience sort of tropically high temperatures, while the foothills and mountainous areas have colder microclimates with chilly nights. Hot summer days might also bring hazards like wildfires and sudden thunderstorms, especially east of the Continental Divide. August is an excellent month for camping and stargazing as night skies are usually clear.

Pleasant weather in September makes it one of the best seasons to visit Colorado. The scorching summer heat is gone, and evenings start to turn cooler by mid-September. The temperatures are moderate statewide, and by late September, Colorado dresses in the colorful cloak of autumn. The arrival of fall adorns usually dim landscapes with bright colors, and the scenery is mesmerizing with the snow-capped peaks in the backdrop. Comfortable temperatures, sunny and yet long enough days, and accessible mountain trails promise it to be a great time to explore the beauty of Colorado. Another perk of September is low precipitation across the state. Clear nights are ideas of camping and stargazing.

As the autumn season is in full swing, nights get colder, but days usually experience warm temperatures. In western areas of Colorado night temperatures might drop below freezing. Eastern parts of the state, including Denver and Colorado Springs, are generally warmer with more chances to go jacket-free. You still might want to pack a sweater or two to stay warm on a cold night. Fall foliage is in its full glory in early October, so if you would like to spot the palette of orange, red, and yellow hues, head to Aspen and other resorts in the Rocky Mountains. Starting from mid-October, high-altitude places like Aspen and Telluride register the first snow. Make sure to wear warm clothes, as the fall season in Colorado gets rather windy.

The end of the autumn season in Colorado experiences a drop in temperatures across the state. The average highs are usually well above the freezing point, while the average lows dip well below it. Places in the Front Range area like Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs tend to be warmer than the western and mountainous destinations. In Aspen and other resorts in the Rockies, November means it’s time to change hiking boots for snowshoes. As fall gradually transitions into winter, the mountain ranges receive substantial snow. Cold fronts in November are common all over the state, including the far northwest and the south. The days are short, and the sunny ones count up to 20 per month. Late November is the time in Colorado when the winter sports enthusiasts prevail, and those unaccustomed to severe cold stay out of the state waiting for warmer spring days.

In December, temperatures continue to drop statewide. The average high temperatures hover between 27°F (-2.8°C) to 45°F (7.2°C), and the average low temperatures dip well below the freezing point from -4°F (-20°C) to 23°F (-5°C) across Colorado. Eastern parts of the state usually promise warmer days than western areas, but nights are biting cold everywhere. Rain is close to zero, but snowfall is substantial, particularly in the mountainous regions of the state, which creates excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding. At this time of year, days are short, with about 9.5 daylight hours. The skies are clear on about ten days in December, thus, the amount of sunshine is limited. Moreover, December is the month with the highest humidity (50-52%), which makes the cold to be perceived as stronger.