Colorado is a state that has all of it… Gorgeous nature, enjoyable occasions within the metropolis, quaint mountain cities, iconic fall colours, and wonderful ski resorts set throughout the majestic Rocky Mountains.
With so many issues to do and see all through completely different instances of the yr, it may be exhausting to decide on when to plan a visit to the centennial state.
The most effective time of yr to go to Colorado relies on what you’re seeking to do. Are you planning an epic street journey? Desirous to see the enduring views? Are you on the lookout for a weekend journey to the buzzing metropolis of Denver or need to escape to the mountains for a couple of days?
With over 300 days of sunshine in a yr and an countless record of issues to do across the state, you may’t go incorrect. Use this information of the Finest Occasions to Go to Colorado that can assist you plan your subsequent journey to colourful Colorado!
1. When to Go to for the Finest Climate in Colorado
Although I’d argue that Colorado has just about the right local weather year-round, there are a couple of instances of yr which have particularly superb climate.
For that excellent climate, plan your journey to Colorado someday between June via September. Because of the excessive elevation and dry local weather, it by no means will get too sizzling in the summertime with days reaching highs of 80 or 90 however nights nonetheless cooling off to 50 or 60. Pack a couple of mild layers and also you’ll by no means be too sizzling or chilly!
Summer time months (June via September) are the right time to expertise all that Colorado has to supply.
Head outdoor for a scenic hike within the Rocky Mountains or catch a present on the iconic Purple Rocks Amphitheatre for an unforgettable evening. Go to the Nice Sand Dunes, take a hike within the Backyard of the Gods in Colorado Springs, or keep in one of many many quaint mountain cities and benefit from the sunshine, lengthy days, and Colorado mountain air!
As a result of summer time has the perfect climate, you’ll in all probability run into extra crowds and visitors throughout this time of yr. However with a lot nature to discover and so many issues to do throughout this time of yr, it’s undoubtedly price it to come back to Colorado throughout the summer time!
2. Finest Time to See Fall Colours in Colorado
Fall simply may be my favourite time of yr in Colorado. You may’t actually perceive the fantastic thing about the autumn colours in Colorado till you’re standing in a grove of glittering yellow aspen bushes surrounded by the wonder. It’s really gorgeous and undoubtedly price a go to to Colorado within the fall!
To expertise the perfect of the autumn colours, plan your go to between mid-September and mid-October. It modifications from yr to yr relying on the climate, however sometimes the leaves begin altering concerning the second week of September. By the top of September, you’ll discover gorgeous fall foliage nearly all over the place!
The prime time for fall colours in Colorado is the primary two weeks of October. Relying on the climate, that is traditionally when a lot of the leaves are in full shade.
The northern mountain and areas with greater elevation are on a barely earlier schedule than the southern mountains, so take that into consideration when planning your journey to see the autumn colours. By the top of October, a lot of the leaves may have fallen.
3. What Time to Go to Colorado to Keep away from Crowds
If you wish to expertise Colorado with out feeling overwhelmed by crowds, then I’d recommend avoiding planning a visit throughout peak journey instances.
Summer time turns into a busy time in Colorado with many households taking summer time holidays right here and guests flocking towards the mountains for the gorgeous hikes in nice climate. Which means that costs of motels and rental properties can spike throughout the summer time season.
To expertise Colorado with out crowds, come later within the fall (October or November) or early within the spring (March, April, or Might).
It’s possible you’ll miss out on the enjoyable summer time and winter actions however will certainly get to expertise the state with out as many guests. These months are excellent to take a weekend trip in a Colorado mountain city to take pleasure in a sluggish, enjoyable weekend.
Try Breckenridge, Vail, Frisco, Boulder, or Estes Park for mountain cities to go to within the late fall or early spring.
4. When to Go to Colorado for Sking
With excellent ski climate for five months of the yr and world-class ski resorts set throughout the Rocky Mountains, Colorado has turn out to be one of the vital standard locations within the U.S. for skiers to go to within the winter.
There are a lot of high-quality ski resorts which might be inside a couple-hour drive from the airport, so whether or not you’re an skilled skier or a beginner desirous to attempt it out, Denver is the right place on your subsequent ski journey.
To come back out for ski season, you’ll need to go to between late November and late March. Most resorts open for the yr by the third week in November and most will shut across the starting of April.
Come to Colorado anytime in between to take pleasure in a few of the greatest snowboarding within the nation. March is traditionally the snowiest month of the yr in Colorado. For some powdery runs however not too frigid temps, hit the slopes in March!
PRO TIP: If you happen to’re driving from the airport in Denver, the street to the mountains (I-70) will get very crowded on Friday and Sunday afternoons. If you happen to can plan your journey to accommodate not being on the street throughout these instances, it can save you your self from one main visitors headache!
Widespread locations to ski in Colorado:
- Vail Ski Resort – a world-class ski resort, highly regarded however definitely worth the hype!
- Breckenridge Ski Resort – 180+ runs for all ranges, near a enjoyable downtown space for these wanting to combine snowboarding & mountain city life
- Loveland Ski Space – fairly priced, 1-hour drive from Denver
- Winter Park – many runs for numerous expertise ranges, 1-hour 20-minute drive from Denver
5. Finest Time to Go to Colorado for Climbing
For the perfect mountain climbing climate, plan a visit out to Colorado between late Might and mid-October.
With over 300 days of sunshine per yr and the gorgeous geology of Colorado, that is fairly the place for hikers.
From half-day hikes simply exterior Denver to quaint mountain cities stuffed with mountain climbing trails, there are a vast variety of hikes to absorb Colorado and also you’ll discover hikes for all expertise ranges.
If you happen to’re an skilled hiker, cross “hike a 14er” off your bucket record by selecting considered one of 58 mountains in Colorado with peaks greater than 14,000 ft! Alternatively, in case you like a bit studying together with your mountain climbing, attempt the Paint Mines Interpretive Park!
Because of the excessive elevation within the mountains, it may be a bit chilly and nonetheless snowy within the mountains in Might. In case your vacation spot is excessive in altitude, June is the perfect month to start outside hikes.
One of many best possible locations to hike in Colorado is Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park. Head there in the summertime months for a few of the most scenic hikes within the nation!
Try the app “All Trails” to seek out the most well-liked trails round you and skim actual folks’s evaluations of them!
6. When to Go to Colorado for Metropolis Occasions and Actions
If you happen to’re desirous to expertise Colorado for a number of of the numerous actions happening within the metropolis, then plan a visit both in summer time or throughout the vacation season. Although there are occasions taking place all year long, summer time and December are the instances whenever you’ll discover essentially the most occasions taking place all through the town!
In the summertime (June via September) you’ll discover the cities of Colorado buzzing with farmer’s markets, outside eating, reside music, craft pop-up reveals, and group occasions. Benefit from the summer time sunshine at one of many many actions happening throughout the summer time months in Colorado.
From mid-November to late December, you’ll discover cities round Colorado with a busy calendar stuffed with vacation occasions! Plan a go to throughout this time to absorb vacation mild reveals, purchase Christmas presents at one of many many vacation markets, or attend particular group vacation occasions.
Examine native calendars on your vacation spot earlier than you head out to ensure you don’t miss one of many many enjoyable occasions taking place in Colorado!
7. Least expensive Time to Go to Colorado for Finances Vacationers
Are you touring on a finances? Then go to Colorado between October and November or between January and March. Throughout this time, there are fewer guests coming to Colorado.
Fewer guests in these months imply you’ll discover cheaper lodging, flights, and rental automobiles so it can save you some cash.
Don’t fear… Non-peak instances don’t imply there’s nothing to do! Although there won’t be fairly as many occasions as in the summertime months, Colorado nonetheless has loads of outside actions in addition to group occasions all year long.
There are wonderful eating places in Colorado the place you may take pleasure in some good meals in addition to breweries and wineries to seize a drink!
To actually journey on a finances, as a substitute of planning to remain within the metropolis, spend your time exterior in nature! From stunning outside hikes to a free go to to Purple Rocks Amphitheatre to having fun with one of many many public parks, there are a lot of methods to take pleasure in time in Denver with out spending some huge cash.