Best time to visit
Fort Collins, Colorado, offers a blend of outdoor adventures, vibrant culture, and year-round activities. The best time to visit largely depends on your interests, as each season brings something unique.
Winter (November–February) is ideal for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, with nearby resorts such as Breckenridge and Loveland offering top-tier slopes from October to May. January and February are particularly great for snow sports due to optimal snowfall. Winter visitors can also enjoy festive events like the Fort Collins Christmas Lights, which brighten the city from November to mid-February.
Spring and summer (March–August) offer perfect conditions for hiking, kayaking, and scenic drives. Popular activities include kayaking on Colorado’s rivers and hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. Summer visitors can also experience the lively Colorado Shakespeare Festival or catch the 4th of July Parade and fireworks. The city’s craft beer scene is especially vibrant during this time, with seasonal brews at renowned breweries.
Fall (September–October) in Fort Collins is known for stunning fall foliage and cooler temperatures, making it an excellent time for leaf-peeping in places like Poudre Canyon. You can also witness the Colorado Fall Colors and enjoy local festivals like Tour de Fat or the Windsor Harvest Festival.
20 things to do in Fort Collins, CO
Fire Rainbows
A curious optical phenomenon occurs quite rarely and only in special locations. If you are in the right time and in the right place, just look up to the sky
Colorado Shakespeare Festival
One of the oldest and most atmospheric theater events in Colorado
The Colorado Marathon
Enjoy the iconic Colorado views during this scenic long-distance race in Fort Collins
Kayaking
Colorado whitewater rivers and crystal clear lakes with beautiful surroundings are perfect for adrenaline rides and peaceful puddling
Greeley Stampede
Wild West 4th of July experience is not complete without a visit to a rodeo, especially if it's one of the largest in the world
Colorado Fall Colors
Discover gorgeous spots throughout the state to celebrate fall
Fishing
Fly-fishers, ice-fishers and rod-and-reelers can find many great spots in Colorado
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Take a scenic ride on the highest paved road in North America
Trail Ridge Road
The so-called 'highway to the sky' is a kind of true inspiration
Bear Lake Road
A beautiful drive through Rocky Mountain National Park
Old Fall River Road
A historic high mountain road in Rocky Mountain National Park
Skiing and Snowboarding near Fort Collins, CO
Discover the world-class ski resorts of Northern Colorado
Monarch Butterfly Migration
Watch the annual butterfly spectacle as tiny creatures fill the sky with colors
Hummingbird Migration
For nearly five months, Colorado hosts thousands of wee birds on the move
Wildflowers
From columbine to bluebells, the Rockies are blanketed with blooms every spring and summer
Sunflowers
Yellow wildflowers create amazing vibrant displays across the mountains and deserts
Indian Paintbrush
Stunning red flowers add brilliant accents to Colorado landscapes
Fort Collins Christmas Lights
Northern Colorado is a perfect getaway for a holiday trip
Fort Collins 4th of July Parade, Fireworks & Events
Choose from a bunch of activities at this patriotic event
Windsor Harvest Festival
Windsor's largest and longest-running event
