Winter weather: December - February
5.5 inches
Average snowfall per month
43º / 22º
Average highs & lows (in Fº)
10º / -3º
Average highs & lows on Pikes Peak (in Fº)
What do you think of when you think of winter in Colorado?
Probably skiing and feet of snow, right? That’s true for parts of the state – we’ve got more than 20 cities sitting above 9,000 feet. But here’s a local secret: Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region have beautifully mild weather year-round. Most of us never put away our grills or patio furniture. (Plus, patio furniture makes a great measuring stick for snow depth.)
Winter temps typically range between 28°F (-2°C) and 61°F (16°C), with very little snow until spring. The coldest temps happen overnight when you’re tucked in bed, and warmer days can actually get hot – you’ll see people walking past melting snow in flip-flops and t-shirts.
The best part? Low humidity. You know how everyone says “dry heat” is better than humid heat? Same goes for cold. When it’s chilly here, it’s not bone-chilling, and if you step into a patch of sunshine (which we have plenty of), you might forget it’s winter altogether.
What to wear for maximum comfort in a Colorado winter
We have a saying here in Colorado: there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing. (Okay, we stole that from author Alfred Wainwright, but it’s true!) Winter here can get chilly, but as long as you dress in layers, you’ll stay comfortable year-round. Here are a few essentials that are easy to pack and don’t take up much space.
Base layers
Base layers (sometimes called long johns) sit closest to your skin and help your body hold onto heat while wicking away moisture – so you don’t end up sweating and then freezing. Look for thin, cold-weather-rated pants and long-sleeved shirts in the socks and underwear section. On a budget? Check out local thrift shops or gear recyclers.
Hat or ear warmers
A good beanie makes all the difference on a cold day – it traps heat and gives you instant temperature control. Too warm? Just take off your hat. If you’re planning to exercise outdoors, a headband or ear warmers work better since they protect your ears while letting your body release heat.
Socks
Bring several pairs of warm socks so your feet can stay dry all day. Natural fibers work best – they retain warmth while letting your feet breathe. Pro tip: skip the ankle socks when it’s snowy. You want coverage above your ankle unless you like icy feet.
Gloves and hand warmers
When your body gets cold, it pulls heat to your core and leaves your hands and feet to fend for themselves – which isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s also how you get frostbite. Even cheap knit gloves help, but winter-rated gloves offer better protection. Hand warmers (electronic or disposable air-activated pouches) are a fast, easy way to keep fingers warm.
What to Expect Each Month
December
Colorado Springs averages about 4 inches of snow in the month of December. The National Weather Service says it’s the coldest month of the year with average temperatures in the 30s (-1ºC). However, most days are sunny and pleasant. Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City host a variety of holiday shopping and community events in the month of December. Downtown Colorado Springs even has ice skating.a
January
In January, the average temperature rises to around 45ºF (7ºC). If you are from a warmer climate, that may seem very low. However, most locals consider that downright comfortable. Warm enough to remove the bite of the cold, but still chilly enough to let you know it’s winter. Visitors will find the city fairly quiet and uncrowded, which is great for visiting attractions. Check out the annual Fruitcake Toss in Manitou Springs for a highly entertaining winter event.
February
February sees another rise in temperatures and a few bouts of extreme cold. It is the third coldest month of the year in Colorado. Visitors can still expect shorter wait times and less crowding because of this. February is cold enough for Cripple Creek (west of Colorado Springs) to host its annual ice festival and ice castles. However, it’s warm enough for Manitou Springs to host Carnivale Weekend. Both are great it you wear the right clothing.
Colorado Springs Winter events
- Bridge of Lights at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
- Magic of Lights at Pikes Peak International Raceway
- Ice skating in Acacia Park
- Electric Safari at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
- Victorian Christmas at Miramont Castle
- Christmas at Flying W Ranch
- Pioneer Museum Festival of Lights Open House
- Holiday melodrama at Iron Springs Chateau
- Downtown Colorado Springs Annual Festival of Lights Parade
- Holiday shopping in Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs
- Santa at the North Pole
- Manitou Springs Holiday Parade
- Gold Camp Christmas and head frame lighting in Cripple Creek
- Cripple Creek Ice Festival
- Cripple Creek Ice Castles
- Manitou Springs Fruitcake Toss
- Carnivale Weekend in Manitou
- Christmas lights at the Broadmoor
Winter trip ideas
Here’s a local secret: winter might be our favorite season. The red rocks look incredible with snow, the parks are less crowded, and hot chocolate tastes better at altitude. We’ve built two itineraries to help you make the most of it – whether you’re bundling up or staying cozy inside.
Colorado Springs Winter events
Adventures Out West
Adventures Out West and its crew of fun-loving guides bring you the most memorable experiences on hot-air balloons, zip-lines, Jeeps, Segways and bikes. Play your way across the Pikes Peak Region for true Rocky Mountain fun.
Broadmoor Outfitters
If adventure is on your Colorado agenda, look no further than Broadmoor Outfitters! Experience zip lining, fly fishing, archery, and more!
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Settle into your seat and let the mountain come to you. The Cog Railway climbs steadily—through pine forests, past bighorn territory, above the clouds—while you press your face to the glass and watch 14,115 feet of scenery unfold.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Cave tours, breathtaking scenery, rides and activities. A must-see Colorado attraction for more than a century!
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Hand-feed the giraffes, hop with the wallabies and get closer than ever to rare, endangered and native animals at America's mountain zoo.
Flying W Ranch Chuckwagon
Smell mesquite smoke drifting from the chuckwagon. Hear spurs jingle and guitars strum under open sky. At Flying W Ranch, cowboy culture isn't a show—it's supper, songs, and the kind of evening that feels like stepping back in time.
Garden of the Gods Trading Post
Sip something cold, savor something hot, and lose yourself in endless treasures—from handcrafted jewelry to local artwork to souvenirs you'll actually keep.
Historic Cripple Creek
At 9,494 feet, Cripple Creek greets you with thin mountain air and thick history. Explore century-old storefronts, hear tales of gold rush fortunes, and feel the energy of a town that still knows how to celebrate.
Historic Manitou Springs
Saunter through the tree-lined streets to explore this small-but-epic locale — effervescent healing springs, unique events & history served daily.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Look, touch, climb & explore ancient history in these relocated dwellings in the cliffs above Manitou Springs.
Old Colorado City
Step from gallery to boutique to café, each doorway revealing something new. Art catches your eye through windows. The scent of roasted coffee drifts from a patio.
Pikes Peak- America’s Mountain
Wind your way to 14,115 feet. Watch the landscape change with every switchback. At the summit: views across five states and hot, fluffy donuts worth the drive.
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
Peer over the edge into a mile-deep canyon, scream down the zip line, then catch your breath while the little ones climb and explore—this is Colorado adventure the whole family can feel.
Academy Riding Stables
Ride horseback through Garden of the Gods on these gentle steeds led by the coolest cowboys and cowgirls in the West.
Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
Come face-to-face with real wolves and discover how the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center works to conserve, care for, and protect these remarkable animals.
Ghost Town Museum
Pan for gold, step through weathered saloon doors, and explore thousands of artifacts that make this indoor ghost town feel alive and breathing.
Iron Springs Melodrama and Dinner Theater
The villain prowls the stage and every table erupts in boos. You join in, napkin waving, voice rising with the crowd. By the final curtain call, your cheeks ache from grinning.
Miramont Castle Museum
Stone walls. Winding staircases. Sunlight streaming through stained glass. Miramont Castle Museum invites you to explore its labyrinth of rooms, linger over afternoon tea, and lose yourself in Victorian elegance.
Space Foundation Discovery Center
Press buttons that launch missions. Touch metal that's been to orbit. Explore the cosmos without leaving Colorado—hands-on, surprisingly playful.
Western Museum of Mining and Industry
Swirl cool water in a gold pan and watch flakes glint under the lights, then marvel at massive machines that once turned topsoil into treasure.
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