The best time to visit Aspen, Colorado, is between December and February. Aspen glitters with fresh snow during the winter months, and mountain sports like skiing and snowboarding are at their peak. Traveling to this famous Colorado mountain town in the winter is definitely a bucket list activity.
Although Aspen comes alive in winter, there’s a ton to do here year-round, making the quaint town a popular destination any time of year. The weather in Aspen can vary significantly from month to month, so planning a vacation here can be a bit tricky at times; it’s essential to know what kind of weather you’ll encounter each month of the year.
Ready to plan an adventurous trip to Aspen? Learn everything you need to know about when to visit Aspen, Colorado, with this complete seasonal and month-by-month weather guide.
Got more travel plans on the horizon? Check out our other weather & when to go guides and our Colorado Travel Guide for more tips & recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do on your vacation!
Weather in Aspen
By season
Spring
More hours of sunlight mean more hours on the hill in Aspen. Spring doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the skiing season. In fact, spring storms often bring some of the best snow all year; the ski hills are usually in operation until mid to late April.
Spring in Aspen usually lasts from March until May, and it’s a great time to explore the town, as the bulk of winter tourists have gone home.
Temperatures can range from an average of 48°F (9°C) on the high end to 23°F (-5°C) at the lowest. Snowfall and clouds decrease, although the town sees spring storms increase yearly. The weather is cold, but the midday sun brings warmth.
Spring has some exciting events in Aspen, like the Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series and the Bud Light Spring Jam, where musicians from all over the United States come to play in an outdoor venue among the Rockies.
Summer
Summer is short in Aspen lasting from June until August. As the snow melts, the flowers in the meadows start to appear, and the skies are a crystal clear blue.
The skiing season is officially over, but the mountain activities don’t stop. Aspen is still teeming with adventure, from BMX biking and hiking to ATV trails.
Enjoy the sun’s warmth in the mountains as you explore Aspen’s natural playground. Temperatures range from highs of 69°F (21°C) to lows of 41°F (5°C). The town sees some rain, but mostly sunny and comfortable during the day. The summers in Aspen are far from hot, so a light jacket might still be needed when heading into the mountains on some of the most popular Aspen day trips.
Aspen offers has some fun activities and festivals during the summer months, like the Food and Wine Classic, where you can experience culinary delights and local wine put together by top chefs.
The Wild West Rodeo is a reoccurring event every Wednesday in the summer. It’s the perfect way to experience Old West traditions.
Fall
The warmth of summer starts to disappear in Aspen when fall rolls around from September to November. Watch as the leaves on the trees turn golden as the snow slowly returns to Aspen. Outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and fishing are all in full swing and skiing returns in late November.
Colder winds blow back in during the fall season as temperatures range from 50°F (10°C) at the highest to 40°F (4°C) at the lowest. Aspen sees more clouds and cold weather as winter approaches, although fall doesn’t get as cold as winter. Snowfall begins towards the end of the autumn season as the start of ski season begins.
The Saturday market returns to Aspen, bringing delicious farm-to-table eats from the region. While fall seems slow when it comes to festivals, this season presents an excellent opportunity to take a scenic drive through Independence Pass to see the beautiful changing colors.
Winter
Winter is the best season to visit Aspen and see the town come alive. The town glimmers as the first snow hits, and winter is in full swing from December to March. This is the ideal time of the year to get out on the slopes for all kinds of winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and more.
Expect to feel frigid temperatures in Aspen, especially during the early morning and late evening, as temperatures range on average from 33°F (1°C) at the highest to 10°F (-12°C) at the lowest. There’s an equal chance of a sunny or cloudy day on the hill throughout the season.
Aspen has extraordinary winter events as this is the town’s high season. The unique Wintersköl is a must-see as the town celebrates winter in this four-day festival. If you’re visiting during Christmas, check out 12 Days of Aspen, where the downtown core comes alive with Christmas cheer and festivities.
By month
January
January is the coldest month in Aspen, but don’t let that deter you from getting out on the slopes! The average temperature in January reaches a high of 28°F (-2°C) and a low of 6°F (-14°C). There’s a lot of snowfall during January, with it ramping up towards the month’s end.
The skies in January have an equal chance of being overcast or sunny. Wind in the mountains can make the temperatures feel colder than they are, so bundling up for winter activities is essential. Sunlight in January is at a low of 9.5 hours on average.
Even though the busy Christmas season has passed, January is still the peak season in Aspen. Booking accommodations, rentals, and tours well in advance is recommended.
February
Ski season continues through February in Aspen as the temperature stays consistent with January. Highs reach 32°F (0°C), and lows hit 10°F (-12°C), which is still the ideal temperature for enjoying Aspen’s great outdoors.
February is Aspen’s snowiest month which is excellent for extending ski season but can cause some stormy conditions, which is less than ideal for adventure enthusiasts. There is almost constant cloud cover during February, and you can expect to see daylight increase to an average of 10 hours as spring approaches.
February is still high season in Aspen, so it is recommended to book well in advance, especially around the Bud Light Spring Jam.
March
Surprisingly ski season continues into spring during March until mid to late April. Increasingly common snow storms bring gusts of snow to help extend the skiing season. The temperature reaches an average high of 39°F (4°C) and a low of 17°F (-8°C).
In March, the freezing temperatures start to disappear as the warmth of spring sets in. Cloud cover is still 50% through most of the month, but sunlight hours are increasing to an average of 11, giving lots of time during the day for activities.
March is still high season for Aspen, so it is recommended to book well in advance, especially if you want to snag a room at one of the most popular hotels in Aspen. However, there’s some leniency depending on the weather.
April
Officially the end of ski season, April, is when the tourist season in Aspen dies down, but the town starts to warm up. Temperatures range, on average, from a high of 46°F (8°C) and a low of 24°F (-4°C).
In April, you can expect to see an increase in rainfall, with a 25% chance of rain each day and a 50% chance of cloud cover. Ski hills close periodically throughout the month, and activities like horseback riding, fishing, and shopping start to increase in popularity. Sunlight hours increase to an average of 12 hours daily, giving you more time to get out and explore Aspen.
With the spring season ending, it’s easy to find last-minute accommodations and book activities, making April a very accessible month to visit Aspen.
May
May is when spring is in full bloom, as the flowers start to appear on the mountainside and in the meadows. Temperatures can range from highs of 57°F (14°C) and a low of 33°F (1°C).
Rain starts to decrease towards the end of the month as temperatures rise and become more comfortable. It’s still advisable to bring lots of layers during May, especially for outdoor sports and activities. Skies begin to get clearer, and the sunlight hours increase to 13 hours per day.
Booking in advance isn’t always required, but it can help secure the location you want to stay in. May is still a great time to get deals on accommodation, as the summer tourist season hasn’t started yet.
June
Summer in Aspen starts in June as the town sees an increase in visitors. Temperatures can range from 68°F (20°C) and a low of 37°F (3°C).
The days begin to warm up around midday but are still quite cool in the morning and evening. The days are usually cloud-free, with a total of 14 hours of daylight. The chance of rain decreases significantly this month, making it an excellent time for fishing, hiking, or other activities. June is also a lovely month to cruise along some of Aspen’s scenic drives before tourism increases in peak summer.
It’s a good idea to book in advance as the summer tourism season in Aspen starts to ramp up toward the end of the month.
July
Summer has arrived by the time July rolls around. This month is the warmest month in Aspen, with temperatures reaching an average high of 73°F (23°C) and an average low of 42°F (6°C). Compared to other destinations in the United States, Aspen has a relatively cool summer, so bringing layers is always ideal.
The weather is comfortable for most of the day, making it easy to get out and explore at any time of day. Sunlight hours peak at 14.5 hours per day, and the chance of rain increases to 30%. Light breezes in the trees make for pleasant afternoon picnics or a walk through the historic downtown.
Summer tourism is at its peak, so booking hotels or car rentals in advance is recommended. Tours and excursions can still be booked closer to the date of arrival.
August
Summer begins to die down as August approaches. Average temperatures start to dip again and can reach highs of 69°F (21°C).
The weather is still mostly comfortable during the day, even though daylight hours start to decrease to 13 hours per day. Cloud cover increases slightly throughout the month, and the chance of rain drops dramatically. August is still a great month to get out and enjoy the last bit of summer before the cooler fall season.
Summer tourism is declining during August, but booking in advance is still recommended, especially around the Wild West Rodeo or any other major event.
September
Fall colors begin to peak in September as the summer season is officially over. Temperatures reach a high of 64°F (18°C) and lows of 35°F (2°C).
Days begin to cool off drastically towards the end of the month, with mornings and evenings being the coolest time of day. The chances of encountering a cloudy or rainy day increase, and daylight hours decrease to 12 hours per day. The stunning fall colors begin in mid-September and can last until early October, making this a great time for hiking or a scenic drive.
Fall can be a popular time to visit Aspen, but it sees fewer visitors than winter and summer. It’s relatively easy to find accommodations, so it’s not necessary to book very far in advance.
October
October is when the leaves begin to fall as the chill of winter approaches. Temperatures reach a high of 51°F (11°C) on average and a low of 28°F (-2°C).
Mornings and afternoons can be freezing, with warmer temperatures peaking during the early afternoon. Cloud cover and rain decrease slightly but are still higher on average than at other times during the year. Days will begin to feel shorter, with an average of 10 hours of sunlight per day. The leaves have mostly turned color and fallen off the trees by the end of the month.
Tourism slows in October, making it a relatively easy month to find accommodation, and it’s perfect for off-the-beaten-path travelers looking to avoid the crowds at the top tourist attractions in Aspen.
November
Aspen’s official last month of fall tends to feel more like a bonus winter month. Temperatures cool off significantly, reaching highs of 39°F (4°C) and lows of 19°F (-7°C).
Cloud cover decreases, but you will see a mix of rain and snow as the temperatures drop. The rain will mostly turn to snow as the month ends, and most ski hills will open at the end of November.
Daylight decreases to 9.5 hours, almost its lowest for the year, but there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the sights of Aspen during the day.
Tourism is at its slowest during this month before it begins again in winter. Booking in advance isn’t required, and many tour companies will be giving great deals on packages and rentals.
December
Winter and ski season begin officially in December, with temperatures reaching highs of 30°F (-1°C) and lows of 10°F (-12°C). December is a great time to pack your ski gear and hit the slopes before more frigid temperatures arrive.
December days will feel cold but have an equal chance of being cloudy or sunny. Snowfall is steady throughout the month of December as the rain almost completely stops. Daylight is at its yearly low of 9 hours per day. This month is excellent for skiing and festivals like the 12 Days of Aspen towards the end of the month.
When visiting Aspen around Christmas, booking hotels and rentals well in advance is recommended.
