The Best Time to Visit Colorado Springs in 2023
The best time to visit Colorado Springs is in September and October when the average temperature is still warm but summer crowds have gone. Summer, spring, and winter are all great times to visit as well depending on what you want to do in the city.
From learning about wolves to traveling to the top of Pikes Peak and spending an afternoon at Garden of the Gods, there are so many things to do in Colorado Springs! As a Colorado local, I’m here to help you decide the best time to visit based on what you want to do and see in town.
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When is the Best Time to Visit Colorado Springs
September and early October are wonderful months to come to Colorado Springs. The weather is still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors, the leaves are turning vivid fall foliage, and the peak tourist season is winding down.
Of course, you may want to consider visiting other times of the year depending on what you’re interested in doing on your trip. Let’s break it down:
When to Visit Colorado Springs for Good Weather
Summer is the perfect time to visit Colorado Springs for good weather. The average high temperatures in summer are in the low 80s during the day. Summer is a great time for hiking in Colorado Springs, and for mountain biking and other outdoor activities.
If you’re heading to higher elevations nearby, summer will be the warmest option with highs in the low 50s.
When to Visit Colorado Springs for Cheap Prices
The off-seasons are going to be the cheapest times to take a trip to this awesome city! The best time to visit is after Labor Day in September through the end of October. You’ll get to see the trees turn beautiful fall colors, and the weather is usually warm enough for lots of outdoor activities.
When to Visit Colorado Springs for Families and Kids
Summer is the most popular time to come to Colorado Springs for families and kids. Not only can they take advantage of summer vacations, but the warm weather means they can enjoy many outdoor activities for kids around Colorado Springs.
If you’re camping in the area, summer is also the best time for families because they don’t have to worry about kids getting too cold at night (side note: see my guide to the best campsites in Colorado).
There are lots of summer events throughout the season that are great for families as well including outdoor movie nights, farmers markets, and live music at local parks. Colorado Springs tours are also abundant in the warm months, offering experiences like rafting, zip lining, and more.
🚗 Looking for a rental car? To get around the city, book with Discover Cars. Our preferred search engine will help you find great rates and the perfect vehicle for you and your family.
When to Visit Colorado Springs to Avoid Crowds
Come to Colorado Springs in the springtime to avoid peak tourist season. Spring weather in Colorado is less reliable than in other seasons. One day it can be dry, sunny, and warm, and the next you can get smacked with a spring snowstorm. Because of this, many people either travel in winter to visit Colorado ski resorts or wait until summer for warmer weather.
However, the average spring temperatures in Colorado Springs are in the 50s and 60s, so if you can be flexible with your plans, spring is a great time to visit!
When to Visit Colorado Springs to See Pikes Peak
The summer months are the best time to come to Colorado Springs if you want to see Pikes Peak, one of the most popular Colorado 14ers. However, note that if you visit the mountain in summer, thunderstorms often roll in during the afternoon. Plan your trip for the morning, and watch the weather while you’re there.
You’ll also want to follow one of my key Colorado travel tips: dress in layers. It’s much colder at the top of the mountain than in downtown Colorado Springs. The temperatures at the top are never warm, but they’re the warmest in summer! You’ll also find less snow, so it’s easier to hike and otherwise explore the area.
👉 Pro Tip: One unique way to see Pikes Peak is on a jeep tour, where your guide can show you great views of the Rocky Mountains and other sights.
When to Visit Colorado Springs for Great Camping
Summer is the best time to camp in and around Colorado Springs. Camping at higher elevations is always a challenge, and it’s best to come at the warmest time of year. Of course, even in summer, there’s still a very good chance that it will be cold. You’ll want to bring plenty of layers and a sleeping bag that’s rated for cold weather.
📚 Related Reading: Check out Abigail’s Hiking Essentials Checklist for more gear recommendations!
Colorado Springs Travel Seasons
Winter
Colorado winters are interesting because they can be frigid, cold, and snowy one day and warm the next. Most Coloradans continue to get outdoors to hike, snowshoe, and enjoy themselves outdoors during winter.
Events in winter include:
- Cripple Creek Ice Festival: See ice carvers make amazing creations, and enjoy the ice maze and ice slide. There are also vendors selling crafts and food throughout the week.
- Fruitcake Toss: Watch as people toss these cement-like holiday confections in downtown Manitou Springs each January. There is also a fruitcake costume competition and a fruitcake bake-off. Can someone make one people actually want to eat? You’ll only know if you show up!
Spring
Spring can swing between warm 60° temps and spring snowstorms. If you’re visiting in spring, flexibility is key. If you can push an activity to the next day during a snowstorm, chances are things will clear up. Spring is the off-season in Colorado Springs, although you may see a surge during spring break.
Events in spring include:
- Artwalks in Old Colorado City: Every first Friday from April to December, people browse the galleries and art studios in the area. Nearby restaurants make this a great option for a date night.
- Territory Days: This three-day street festival happens every May and features more than 180 food and craft booths along with live music and events for kids.
👉 Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out my list on Where to Stay in Colorado Springs!
Summer
Colorado Springs summers have the warmest average temperatures, so it’s the best time to head into the mountains. It’s also more crowded due to kids being out on vacation.
Summer festivals and events include:
- Pikes Peak International Hill Climb: This is Colorado’s second-oldest motorsport event. Watch drivers race to the top of the mountain in this adrenaline-filled race!
- Manitou Springs Wine Festival: This wine festival in the quaint town of Manitou Springs allows guests to sample tastings from 30 Colorado wineries in a beautiful setting. There’s also live music, food, and gifts to purchase at booths in Memorial Park.
Fall
Fall is a beautiful time of year in the area! You’ll get beautiful fall foliage, plus mild temperatures to get outdoors. You’ll also miss the summer crowds (and prices!) during the fall season.
Events in fall include:
- Emma Crawford Coffin Races: This race is in memory of a young lady who died in the late 1800s. After she was buried, heavy rains caused her coffin to resurface and slide down the mountain. Now, racers on coffin-like creations run down Manitou Avenue.
- Labor Day Lift Off: Celebrate the start of a new school year with morning balloon launches and evening events featuring glowing hot-air balloons.
⛅ Love hot air balloon rides? Regardless of when you visit, don’t miss this sunrise balloon ride offering breathtaking views of Pikes Peak!
Colorado Springs Weather and Climate
The weather and climate in the Colorado Springs area varies because there are several elevations. In town, temperatures are warmer. As you get higher in elevation in places like Woodland Park or Pikes Peak, the temperature drops considerably.
Colorado as a whole is a dry climate with very low humidity. It is also a sunny state, and even on days when snowstorms move in, the sun can shine before or after a storm. Visitors to Colorado will want to apply plenty of sunscreen and carry a water bottle to combat Colorado’s dry weather.
👉 Pro Tip: Read our Colorado Packing List guide so you don’t forget any other essentials!
FAQs About Colorado Springs
How many days do you need to see Colorado Springs?
Three days is a good amount of time to see Colorado Springs. In three days, you can visit local attractions like Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and the Olympic Training Center. You can also go on some local hikes, and spend some time on a day trip from Colorado Springs.
Is Denver or Colorado Springs better to visit?
Denver is better to visit if you must choose between Denver and Colorado Springs. There are many things to do in Denver, and it’s a more popular city.
However, Colorado Springs is an excellent choice for several reasons. There are fewer crowds in Colorado Springs, for starters. Also, costs are lower than in Denver so you’ll find Colorado Springs hotels and restaurants are more affordable.
What is the best time of year to visit Pikes Peak?
Summer is the best time of year to visit Pikes Peak. There will be less snow and the temperatures at the top of the mountain will be at their warmest.
Is it worth visiting Colorado Springs?
It is worth visiting Colorado Springs. There are lots of areas nearby for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. There are also some wonderful museums, the Olympic Training Center, the Air Force Academy, and other great things to do in Colorado Springs.
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Hopefully, this guide has helped you to figure out the best time to visit Colorado Springs! If you’re planning to explore other areas of the state, be sure to check out our Ultimate Colorado Travel Guide!
