{"id":98026,"date":"2021-10-10T05:46:15","date_gmt":"2021-10-10T12:46:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/?p=98026"},"modified":"2022-07-07T17:48:23","modified_gmt":"2022-07-08T00:48:23","slug":"best-time-to-visit-colorado","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/best-time-to-visit-colorado\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Time to Visit Colorado"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Best Time to Visit Colorado is a renowned vacation destination for its fascinating geography. Well-known for its mountains, there\u2019s a lot more to see and do in this diverse region. We\u2019ll give you the ultimate vacation guide to Colorado, including when to visit and what to do.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/best-time-to-visit-colorado\/#Best_Time_to_Visit_Colorado\" title=\"Best Time to Visit Colorado\">Best Time to Visit Colorado<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/best-time-to-visit-colorado\/#What_To_Do_in_Colorado\" title=\"What To Do in Colorado\">What To Do in Colorado<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/best-time-to-visit-colorado\/#Festivals_Events_in_Colorado\" title=\"Festivals &amp; Events in Colorado\">Festivals &amp; Events in Colorado<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/best-time-to-visit-colorado\/#FAQs\" title=\"FAQs\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Visit_Colorado\"><\/span>Best Time to Visit Colorado<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>With so much to do year-round, Colorado is a popular destination any time. The \u201cbest\u201d time to visit is the time that best matches your ideal vacation. &nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Colorado Tourist Season<\/h3>\n<p>Areas across Colorado experience distinct \u201chigh\u201d and \u201clow\u201d tourist seasons. Popular cities like Denver experience peak tourism during summer, when weather shifts between warm and hot. Of course, peak tourist season also means that lodging becomes more crowded and expensive. Therefore, we suggest the <strong>best <\/strong>time to visit Colorado is during shoulder seasons (fall and spring), when lodging is more available, but weather is still mild but still pleasant.<\/p>\n<p>Most areas in Colorado experience a dip in tourism during the winter months, with the notable exception of the State\u2019s major<a href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/top-skiing-destinations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> ski<\/a> areas. Housing parts of the Rocky Mountains, there are a number of world-famous ski resorts that see boosted tourist traffic during the winter. Therefore, the best time to visit Colorado might depend on what you are planning to do.<\/p>\n<h3>Colorado Weather<\/h3>\n<p>Colorado has a very diverse geography, which lends itself to a very diverse climate. Different parts of the State are made up of mountains, plains, foothills, valleys, and desert. Most of Denver features a dry, cool climate, with shifts in weather throughout the year, and shift from day-night.<\/p>\n<p>In Colorado\u2019s most populous city, Denver, summertime sees highs around 80-90F, with lows around 50-55F. Spring and Fall see highs around 60-75F, with lows around 35-45F. Winters are cold, with highs around 42-47F, and lows around 15-20F. Denver is a mostly dry city, with a boost in precipitation through Spring and Summer.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, these temperatures and precipitation fluctuate throughout the State, with all its different geography and climate zones. Its Rocky Mountain towns experience colder temperatures and more snowfall, while its desert lands might experience higher temperatures and significantly less precipitation. You\u2019re best to check specific forecasts for the areas you plan to visit. Speaking of this, let\u2019s get to the best spots to visit:<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_To_Do_in_Colorado\"><\/span>What To Do in Colorado<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Now that we\u2019ve covered <em>when<\/em> to visit Colorado, let\u2019s get to something equally important \u2013 what to do while there! With so much to see and do, your top picks will very much depend what you want out of a vacation. Here are the top places to check out:<\/p>\n<h3>Best Time to Visit Denver<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-98032 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Denver-Colorado-downtown-with-City-Park.jpg\" alt=\"Best Time to Visit Denver Colorado downtown with City Park\" width=\"996\" height=\"551\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Denver-Colorado-downtown-with-City-Park.jpg 996w, https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Denver-Colorado-downtown-with-City-Park-300x166.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Denver-Colorado-downtown-with-City-Park-768x425.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 996px) 100vw, 996px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ll start with Denver\u2019s most visited location, and also its capital city \u2013 Denver. The Mile High City is the gateway to the Rocky Mountains, located just east of Rocky Mountain National Park, and a short drive to many world-class skiing, hiking, and climbing terrain.<\/p>\n<p>But you don\u2019t have to treat Denver as a hub-city, because there\u2019s so much to do inside the city itself! Denver is packed with things to see and do, and many hip neighborhoods to explore. It\u2019s equal parts laid-back and energetic, with a population that loves to get out and explore.<\/p>\n<p>Check out the shops, restaurants, bars, microbreweries, and museums. Denver is also home to four major sports franchises (Broncos, Rockies, Nuggets, and Avalanche). There\u2019s lots to do year-round.<\/p>\n<h3>Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_98027\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-98027\" style=\"width: 990px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-98027 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bear-Lake-at-sunrise.jpg\" alt=\"Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park\" width=\"1000\" height=\"554\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bear-Lake-at-sunrise.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bear-Lake-at-sunrise-300x166.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bear-Lake-at-sunrise-768x425.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-98027\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Just west of Denver is Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the most stunning natural areas in the United States. As the name implies, the region is home to magnificent rocky mountains that tower into the skyline. Drastic shifts in elevation mean you\u2019ll experience peaks, valleys, glaciers, forests, tundra, and more. The area is full of hikes, climbs, and there are many guided tours available.<\/p>\n<p>Rocky Mountain National Park covers an area of over 250,000 acres. Perhaps its most famous feature is Trail Ridge Road, which takes you to an elevation over 12,000 feet, with plenty of stunning viewpoints and vistas. Adventurous travelers also scale Keyhole Route up Longs Peak, which is the Park\u2019s tallest mountain, and is a hike\/climb meant for experienced adventurers.<\/p>\n<h3>Best Time to Visit&nbsp;Aspen<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_98028\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-98028\" style=\"width: 987px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-98028 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Aspen-city-skyline-with-milky-way.jpg\" alt=\"Best Time to Visit&nbsp;Aspen city skyline with milky way\" width=\"997\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Aspen-city-skyline-with-milky-way.jpg 997w, https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Aspen-city-skyline-with-milky-way-300x181.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Aspen-city-skyline-with-milky-way-768x462.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-98028\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Best Time to Visit&nbsp;Aspen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Located southwest of Denver (about a 3.5 hour drive), and perhaps Colorado\u2019s most famous ski town, Aspen is a world-class <a href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/8-aspects-to-look-for-on-your-first-skiing-vacation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ski resort destination<\/a>. In recent years, Aspen has become just as known for its glitz and glamour as its downhill skiing. It is very much a \u201cluxury\u201d ski resort destination, with all the hotels, restaurants, and shops to appeal to the discerning traveler. As such, Aspen is quite a bit more expensive than most Colorado ski towns. Regardless, Aspen is a world-renowned mountain, with terrain suitable for beginners to advanced skiers.<\/p>\n<h3>Best Time to Visit&nbsp;Telluride<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_98029\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-98029\" style=\"width: 989px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-98029 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Small-town-village-in-Colorado.jpg\" alt=\"Best Time to Visit&nbsp;Telluride\" width=\"999\" height=\"578\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Small-town-village-in-Colorado.jpg 999w, https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Small-town-village-in-Colorado-300x174.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Small-town-village-in-Colorado-768x444.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-98029\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Best Time to Visit&nbsp;Telluride<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If Aspen\u2019s posh vibes aren\u2019t what you\u2019re looking for, perhaps you\u2019d enjoy the significantly more laid-back Telluride. Situated in southwest Colorado in the Rockies, Telluride is a former mining town, and retains much of this historic charm. The town itself is quite small, but it\u2019s the surrounding natural area that keep tourists coming back.<\/p>\n<p>Telluride is a ski destination in the winter, a golf destination in the summer, and also features plenty of hiking, fishing, and natural areas to explore. And for such a small town, Telluride has quite the character, with bars, restaurants, and regular festivals to keep tourists and locals entertained.<\/p>\n<h3>Best Time to Visit&nbsp;Colorado Springs<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_98030\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-98030\" style=\"width: 988px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-98030 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Colorado-Springs.jpg\" alt=\"Best Time to Visit&nbsp;Colorado Springs\" width=\"998\" height=\"544\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Colorado-Springs.jpg 998w, https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Colorado-Springs-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Colorado-Springs-768x419.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 998px) 100vw, 998px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-98030\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Best Time to Visit&nbsp;Colorado Springs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Colorado Springs offer some of the most fantastic natural geography in the State. Located south of Denver, at the foothills of the Rockies, the town features a stunning mixture of mountain, forest, &amp; desert terrain. There are many places to hike, walk, bike, and explore.<\/p>\n<p>The area is also home to many sandstone features that define the region\u2019s unique landscape, especially in the popular Garden of the Gods. The city itself is packed with charm, with a strong local arts scene, and many independent businesses and restaurants. There are few places you could go which sport Colorado Springs\u2019 unique mix of geography, scenery, and charm.<\/p>\n<h3>Best Time to Visit&nbsp;Grand Junction<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_98031\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-98031\" style=\"width: 988px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-98031 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/View-of-Grand-Junction.jpg\" alt=\"Best Time to Visit&nbsp;Grand Junction\" width=\"998\" height=\"535\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/View-of-Grand-Junction.jpg 998w, https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/View-of-Grand-Junction-300x161.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/View-of-Grand-Junction-768x412.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 998px) 100vw, 998px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-98031\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Best Time to Visit&nbsp;Grand Junction<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Grand Junction is located in western Colorado, and is itself a \u201cjunction\u201d of mountains, lakes, forests, and desert. It\u2019s also Colorado\u2019s most-renowned wine country, as its arid terrain and warm temperatures combine for great growing conditions.<\/p>\n<p>Grand Junction is an outdoorsman\u2019s paradise, with mountain biking, hiking, and water activities abound. The town itself is quaint, with a local character that is displayed by its shops, restaurants, and boutiques. Grand Junction proves that Colorado is spoiled with natural beauty.<\/p>\n<h3>Best Time to Visit&nbsp;Boulder<\/h3>\n<p>Boulder is essentially a suburb of Denver, but its unique character and natural beauty have given it a reputation that stands on its own. Nestled right in the Rockies, Boulder gives visitors a unique mix of mountain and urban life that few places on Earth can match.<\/p>\n<p>There is world-class hiking right on the city\u2019s doorstep, with trails that climb mountains, follow streams, and culminate in stunning views of the surrounding region. Boulder itself has the laid-back vibe you\u2019d expect from a mountain town, with plenty of unique shops, restaurants, and bars. Walk along Pearl Street, the city\u2019s main drag, and eat at one of Colorado\u2019s top-ranked restaurants, representative of Boulder\u2019s strong culinary scene.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Festivals_Events_in_Colorado\"><\/span>Festivals &amp; Events in Colorado<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Before we wrap up our article, we\u2019ll check out some of our favorite annual events that happen throughout Colorado. If your visit to Colorado happens to coincide with one of these festivals or events, be sure to check it out!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aspenmusicfestival.com\/about\/about-the-aspen-music-festival-and-school\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Aspen Music Festival<\/strong><\/a><strong> \u2013<\/strong> The Aspen Music Festival is one of the largest and most renowned classical music festivals in the United States, dating way back to 1949. It takes place all summer, with events and concerts happening every week. The festival is put on by Aspen Music School, which is a top-tier academy for classical musicians, so expect the festival to showcase some of the top young talent in the country.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Spring Back to Vail<\/strong><strong> \u2013<\/strong> Spring Back to Vail takes place every April to celebrate the coming of Spring in one of Colorado\u2019s major ski towns. It\u2019s a weekend festival with musical performance, after-hour events, and more. Enjoy the lively atmosphere in the ski village, or partake in some spring-skiing.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.undergroundmusicshowcase.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Denver Underground Music Showcase<\/strong><\/a><strong> \u2013 <\/strong>The Underground Music Showcase is one of the most interesting music festivals in Denver (or all of Colorado). The event showcases up-and-coming acts from Colorado and across the USA, with various venues putting on shows. Expect bars and restaurants to partake in the fun as well, with most of the action taking place on Broadway between 6<sup>th<\/sup> and Alameda.<\/p>\n<h3>Best Time to Visit Colorado<\/h3>\n<p>Thanks for checking out our guide to Colorado, home to so much more than the Rocky Mountains! Skiing, hiking, summer fun, urban adventures, and more &#8211; there\u2019s so much to see and do. Use our guide to plan your ultimate Colorado vacation.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><strong>When does it snow in Colorado?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>It snows in Colorado during North American winter, with most snowfall occurring between late-November and March. However, the amount of snowfall you can expect to see really depends where you are. Colorado has many different elevations, with more snow occurring as you venture higher, and into the Rocky Mountains.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Where to ski in Colorado?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Colorado is home to many world-class ski resorts. Your ideal vacation will depend on the type of vacation experience you\u2019re looking for, and how much you\u2019re willing to spend. Ski resort options include Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, Steamboat, and Telluride, just to name a few.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/great-sand-dunes-national-park-camping\/\">Great Sand Dunes National Park Camping<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Best Time to Visit Colorado is a renowned vacation destination for its fascinating geography. Well-known for its mountains, there\u2019s a lot more to see and do in this diverse region. We\u2019ll give you the ultimate vacation guide to Colorado, including &#8230; <a title=\"Best Time to Visit Colorado\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/best-time-to-visit-colorado\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Best Time to Visit Colorado\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":98033,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98026"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=98026"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98026\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/98033"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=98026"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=98026"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=98026"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}