Best Time of Year to Visit Colorado Springs

Best Time of Year to Visit Colorado Springs: A Season-by-Season Guide

If you’re wondering when the best time to visit Colorado Springs is, the answer depends on what you want to experience. While most people might be inclined to say summer is the best time to visit Colorado, we’re here to tell you that fun in this state — and in the Pikes Peak region in particular — is as evergreen as our plentiful pine trees.

Fall (September through early October) is considered by many locals to be the best overall season because of brilliant golden aspen foliage, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and scenic drives.

Winter (November through February) is ideal for holiday events, snowy mountain scenery, nearby skiing, and smaller crowds at many attractions.

Spring (March through May) brings blooming wildflowers, rushing waterfalls, wildlife activity, and the beginning of rafting and outdoor adventure season.

Summer (June through August) is the most popular time to visit thanks to warm weather, long daylight hours, and nearly every attraction operating at full capacity.

No matter when you visit, one thing remains true: Colorado’s mountain weather changes quickly. Dressing in layers, staying hydrated, and preparing for changing temperatures will help you enjoy your trip in every season.

Fall in the Rocky Mountains (September – October)

For many visitors, fall is the best time to visit Colorado Springs. Daytime temperatures remain comfortable for hiking and sightseeing while the changing aspens transform the mountains into brilliant shades of gold.

The peak fall color season typically arrives from mid-September through early October, especially west of Colorado Springs around the Pikes Peak Highway, Mueller State Park, and Cripple Creek.

One of the best ways to experience Colorado’s fall colors is aboard the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad, where open-air railcars provide panoramic views of the surrounding mountains through early October.

Fall also brings many seasonal events throughout the Pikes Peak Region, including:

• Pumpkin patches and hayrides
• Haunted history tours and ghost walks
• Boo at the Zoo at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
• Halloween Events

It can snow in the fall, but it can also get pretty hot as we come off of the summer season. Your best bet is to pack both light clothing for warm afternoons and insulated layers for chilly mornings and evenings – we can almost guarantee you’ll use everything in your suitcase while you’re here.

Fall is best for:

• Fall foliage
• Scenic drives
• Hiking
• Photography
• Smaller crowds than summer

Winter in Colorado Springs (November – February)

Winter in Colorado is often intimidating for out-of-state visitors, but in Colorado Springs, it’s surprisingly mild. While Colorado is famous for skiing, Colorado Springs often enjoys sunny winter days, and many attractions remain open throughout the season.

Snowstorms certainly happen, but winter weather often alternates between snowy days and mild sunshine, making sightseeing possible throughout much of the season. The best advice for visiting Colorado Springs in the winter is the same as in any other season: dress in layers (including a quality coat and a warm hat), stay hydrated, wear sunscreen when outside, watch your altitude, and have a blast.

Many of our most popular attractions also stay open year-round! Some of the best winter activities include:

• Grabbing a warm drink from the Garden of the Gods Trading Post
• Watching the wolves play in the snow at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
• Holiday shopping in Manitou Springs
• Watching the snow fall from Miramont Castle

Like fall, with winter comes seasonal events that can take your trip to the next level:

• Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
• Santa Visits at North Pole – Santa’s Workshop
• AdAmAn Fireworks off Pikes Peak for New Year’s
• Cripple Creek Ice Festival

Winter is best for:

• Holiday events
• Snow scenery
• Nearby skiing
• Lower crowds
• Cozy mountain getaways

Spring in the Rockies (March – May)

Spring is one of the most underrated times to visit Colorado Springs. Snow gradually melts from the mountains, wildflowers begin blooming, waterfalls become more active, and wildlife is increasingly visible throughout the region.

Like fall, spring weather can change quickly. You may experience sunshine, rain, and even snow during the same trip, making layered clothing essential.

Spring is an excellent time to:

• Hike through Garden of the Gods
• Go rock climbing or zip lining with Broadmoor Outfitters
• Take a Jeep tour or hot air balloon flight with Adventures Out West
• Enjoy horseback riding through scenic landscapes with Academy Riding Stables

Spring also marks the beginning of whitewater rafting season on the Arkansas River. Early spring snowmelt creates exciting rapids for experienced rafters, while late spring offers calmer conditions that are better suited for beginners and families. Outfitters like Echo Canyon will help you navigate the river and choose the trip that’s right for you.

Spring is best for:

• Wildflowers
• Wildlife viewing
• Waterfalls
• Rafting
• Mild crowds

Summer in Colorful Colorado (June – August)

Summer is the busiest tourism season in Colorado Springs, and for good reason. Warm days, cool evenings, and long daylight hours make it easy to spend entire days exploring the outdoors.

Nearly every attraction operates on extended summer schedules, making this the easiest time of year to build a full vacation itinerary.

Popular summer activities include:

• Driving the Pikes Peak Highway
• Hiking in North Cheyenne Canyon
• Cooling down underground at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
• Mountain biking with Adventures Out West or urban cycling with PikeRide

Even during summer, mountain weather changes quickly. The summit of Pikes Peak can be 30–40 degrees cooler than Colorado Springs and has even received snow during the warmest months of the year. Bringing a light jacket or fleece is recommended, even on hot days.

Because Colorado’s elevation exceeds 6,000 feet in Colorado Springs and reaches over 14,000 feet atop Pikes Peak, visitors should drink plenty of water, use sunscreen, and pace themselves during outdoor activities.

Summer is best for:

• First-time visitors
• Family vacations
• Hiking
• Scenic drives
• Full attraction availability

Which Season Is Best for Your Colorado Springs Vacation?

Every season offers a different experience in the Pikes Peak Region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to visit Colorado Springs?

For many travelers, September offers the ideal combination of comfortable temperatures, golden aspen foliage, scenic drives, and smaller crowds than peak summer.

Is Colorado Springs worth visiting in winter?

Yes. Most major attractions remain open, holiday events fill the season, nearby skiing is easily accessible, and visitors often enjoy sunny days alongside beautiful mountain scenery.

When are fall colors at their peak in Colorado Springs?

Aspen trees typically reach peak color between mid-September and early October, although timing varies depending on elevation and weather.

Is summer too crowded?

Summer is the busiest season because schools are out and nearly every attraction is fully open. Visiting popular attractions early in the morning helps avoid the largest crowds.

Plan Your Visit Any Time of Year

There is no wrong time to visit Colorado Springs. Every season offers its own scenery, activities, and experiences—from golden aspens in the fall and snowy mountain views in winter to blooming wildflowers in spring and endless outdoor adventures during summer. With a little planning, layered clothing, and plenty of water, you can enjoy everything the Pikes Peak Region has to offer no matter when you visit.