Colorado is a true four-season destination, and each season is genuinely different at 9,000 feet. Here is how to choose.
| Best overall | Mid-September (aspens, blue skies, fewer crowds) |
|---|---|
| Best for hiking & rafting | July–August |
| Best for skiing | Late December–March |
| Best for deals | Late April–May and November (shoulder seasons) |
Summer (June–August)
Peak season. Trails and passes are open, rivers are running, and wildflowers peak in July. Days are warm and sunny, but nearly every afternoon brings a fast-moving thunderstorm — start early and be off high peaks by noon. Book lodging ahead, especially around the Fourth of July.
Fall (September–October)
Many locals’ favorite. The aspens turn gold from mid-September through early October, the weather is crisp and stable, and summer crowds thin out. It is the sweet spot for hiking, scenic drives and trains, and photography.
Winter (November–March)
Ski and snowboard season, plus snowshoeing, sledding, and hot springs. Resorts hum from Thanksgiving through spring. Expect holiday crowds and higher rates late December through mid-January, and plan for snowy mountain driving.
Spring (April–May)
The wildcard. High resorts like Arapahoe Basin ski deep into spring while valleys green up and rafting season begins. It is also “mud season” — some businesses close between winter and summer — but you will find the year’s best deals and smallest crowds.
Best time to visit Colorado FAQ
What is the cheapest time to visit Colorado?
The shoulder seasons offer the best value: late April through May and again in November. These are between the ski and summer peaks, so lodging rates drop and crowds are small, though some mountain businesses close during the quietest weeks.
When do the aspens turn in Colorado?
Colorado’s aspens typically turn gold from mid-September through the first week of October, starting at the highest elevations and moving down. Peak timing shifts a little each year with the weather.
When is ski season in Colorado?
Most Colorado resorts open around mid-to-late November and run through early or mid-April, with the deepest snow and most terrain usually from January through March. A few high areas like Arapahoe Basin can ski into May or June.