The best time to visit Breckenridge, Colorado, is in winter, from January to March, or in summer, from June to August. Depending on whether you want to experience the stunning landscape when it’s blanketed in snow or lush with greenery, winter and summer are the seasons that guarantee maximum wow.
Set in Summit County in northwestern Colorado, Breckenridge, Colorado, is a powder hound’s dream. Boasting over 300 inches of snow, five magnificent peaks, the luxe Breckenridge Ski Resort, and easy-going average temperatures around 25°F (-4°C), beautiful “Breck” is bound to put a smile on any shredder’s face.
But the fun doesn’t melt away with the snow. Summers offer a different kind of paradise, buzzing with outdoor adventures. Your itinerary will be packed with hiking, biking, rafting, and festival frolicking. Summer’s also a great time to drink in this historic mining town’s charming, laid-back vibe and explore its array of restaurants, boutiques, and frontier-style saloons.
Ready to make some mountainside memories? Discover the best time to visit with this complete month-by-month Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge
By season
Spring
Spring (March to May) isn’t peak snow season, but if you love the idea of basking in sunshine on uncrowded slopes, you’re in for a treat. Spring is the ideal time for snow fans who love skiing but don’t love the cold.
Average temps range from April’s comfortable 15°C (59°F) to May’s sweatshirt-worthy 19°C (66°F). Breckenridge generally saves its last sprinkling of powder for late March or even early April, and the high elevation (9,600 feet) keeps those final powder stashes amazingly fresh.
Spring can be a tricky time. To be on the safe side, plan on a March visit to avoid the April melt. Another reason not to delay a spring getaway: as Breckenridge thaws out, everything slows down. The gondola is closed, hiking and biking trails are muddy, and many shops and restaurants are closed pending summer’s arrival.
On the plus side, spring is the town’s off-season, so you won’t be contending with crowds of tourists – and budget-conscious travelers will be able to score some sweet deals on flights and on the top-rated hotels in Breckenridge.
Mud or no mud, Breck’s stunning scenery will be yours to enjoy in spring!
Summer
There’s a saying in Summit County: You’ll come for the winter, but you’ll stay for the summer. Summers in Breckenridge can cast a heavenly spell.
Visit in June, July, or August, and you’ll be blessed with bluebird skies, no humidity, and easy-to-love average temperatures of 21°C (70°F). After the late spring lull, Breck buzzes back to life. The mountainsides teem with wildflowers, the BreckConnect Gondola (soaring to peaks 7 & 8) is humming, and the fabulous mountain trails with their breathtaking views are ready to welcome you.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find their bliss during the summer months because Breckenridge is loaded with recreational options. Hike, bike, or ride horseback through the stunning mountain terrain. Do some fly fishing, tee up at a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, or plunge into aquatic adventure with whitewater rafting on the Colorado River.
Head back to town and feel the past come alive as you stroll historic Main Street, home to some of the most popular Breckenridge tourist attractions. Browse its quaint boutiques, then settle back for a tasty bite or luscious libation in one of its fabulous pubs or restaurants.
Summer is festival season in Breckenridge, so dive in! Sample from local breweries at the Breckenridge Summer Beer Festival. Enjoy wine tasting and fine dining at the Breckenridge Wine Classic. Ride a wave of live music, dancing, and all-out fun at the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts.
Fall
Fall (September to November) is a beautiful time to be in Breckenridge. Temperatures settle down from about 58°F (14.5°C) in September to an “invigorating” 32°F (0°C) in November.
This is low-ebb tourist time in Breckenridge – which means you’ll enjoy off-season rates on flights and hotels. It also means you’re free to explore in (nearly) solitary splendor, drink in the fresh air, and soak up the landscape at your leisure. (Just be sure you’ve packed hiking boots and a warm jacket!)
Breckenridge pulls out all the stops with its gorgeous autumn regalia, the color of choice being burnished gold. It’s a breathtaking sight: set against a majestic backdrop of towering mountain peaks, the entire town, and surroundings are awash with bursts of brilliant color. (Tip: Time your visit for the third or fourth week in September, when the foliage hits its peak.)
Hit the road for a scenic drive. Take a ghost tour. Dig into the town’s fascinating gold rush past at local museums. Join the polka party at Oktoberfest, a lively celebration of German food and culture at the end of September. Prost!
Winter
Winter is what put Breckenridge on the map. (Second only to the gold rush!) Most travelers plan their first visit during the winter months in Breckenridge – and it’s no wonder!
The town takes on a Winter Wonderland persona, swapping gorgeous fall foliage for a blanket of pristine white. If you’re chasing fresh powder, March – the snowiest month – is the best time to catch it. Game on!
The snowy star attraction is the Breckenridge Ski Resort. Boasting 2,900 acres of skiable terrain, five magnificent mountain peaks, and 35 ski lifts (including the highest lift in North America), this world-class destination is at full throttle. And with over 1.6 million skiing guests every winter, it gets a lot of love.
The caveat: be prepared for crowds on the slopes, wait lines at lifts and popular restaurants, and elevated prices on just about everything.
Skiing not your jam? Strap on cross-country skis or snowshoes. Hop aboard a heated snowcat tour. Drink in the view from the Breck-Connect Gondola.
Back in town, explore the past on a saloon, history, or ghost expedition. Take in dazzling seasonal decorations. Taste award-winning spirits at the Breckenridge Distillery. Top off your day with a romantic sleigh ride, and savor the “apres” life.
By month
January
You’ll need to bundle up for January, the coldest month in Breckenridge. Average temperatures range from 0.7°F (-17°C) to 22.5°F (-5.2°C). You’ll get plenty of snowfall, an average of 17 inches, so pack your winter-worthy gear. (Always include sun protection: The solar exposure at this snowy altitude is intense).
January is a great month for skiing and snowboarding since the slopes are blanketed with fresh powder, and the crowds have thinned out from the December deluge.
Start the year on a fun note at the International Snow Sculpture Championships, where teams from around the world gather and fashion awesome works of art from blocks of snow.
February
February warms up slightly from January temps, but the forecast is still “cold,” with average temps ranging from 4.1°F (-15.5°C) to 25.9°F (-3°C). With an average of 18 inches, this is one of the snowiest months in Breckenridge. With excellent conditions and lower prices than in peak season, it’s a great month for winter sports.
Indulge your sweet tooth with delicious samples at the National Chocolate Festival. Check out the Breck Film Fest Winter Series, where you can catch some of the top entries from the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, UT, or savor live performances at the Breckenridge Music Festival Winter Series.
March
Packed with powder days, March is the peak ski season. With an average of 23 inches, March is the snowiest month of the year for Breckenridge – and one of the most popular months to visit.
Temperatures continue to inch up, ranging from 10.2°F (-12°C) to 32.7°F (0.2°C). Sun-filled days, loads of snow, and Spring Break: This is one of Breck’s busiest times – so be prepared for lift line waits and crowded slopes.
Make the most of your March visit at the Breck Spring Fever Festival, and get into the spirit with live concerts, parties, and competitions. Put on your best green and head to one of the pubs or restaurants in town to get in on the lively St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
April
April marks the transition from winter to spring, with temperatures continuing to inch up to averages between 18.1°F (-7.5°C) and a “balmy” 41.5°F (5.2°C).
The days of major snowfalls are gone in April, with an average of about 12 inches, but conditions are still good for spring skiing diehards who want to squeeze every last drop out of those slopes! (Tip: Not all of them will be operational throughout April, so check ahead.)
April is an excellent month for budget-conscious travelers because this is the cheapest time to travel to and stay in Breckenridge.
Get in on Earth Day celebrations at eco-friendly events around town, or treat yourself to some fine wining and dining at the Breckenridge Wine Classic Spring Edition.
May
May marks the start of summer. But don’t pack beach towels just yet. Temperatures remain cool, averaging from 27°F (-2.5°C) to 52°F (11°C). Snowfall is minimal, averaging about 3 inches, but the month can kick up some last-minute storms at higher elevations. Overall, as the temperatures heat up, the snow turns into rain – so you may want to pack rain gear.
The good news: If you’re looking for some relaxing downtime, May is when you’ll get it. Crowds are minimal, giving you lots of room to explore.
Kick off the season with the Breckenridge Town Party, where you can take in live music, hit the beer tents and food trucks, and jump into kids’ activities. Explore the town’s history and culture with free admission to museums and historic sites during the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance Museum Month.
June
Come June, summer in Breckenridge really kicks into gear as the days get longer and the temperatures climb. You’ll enjoy averages ranging from 34.9°F (1.6°C) to 62.8°F (17°C), but pack shorts and T-shirts because it can get hotter! Snowfall is down to under an inch, so pack away those shredding dreams ‘til next year.
Savor the beauty of Colorado wildflowers at the Breckenridge Wildflower Festival, where you can take guided hikes, get in on workshops, and take in art shows. Pull on your runners and celebrate Pride Month with the 10 Mile Pride walk/run.
July
July is when you’ll really feel the heat. But don’t worry, the temperatures during the hottest month in Breckenridge are very tourist-friendly, with averages ranging between 39.9°F (4.3°C) and 68.9°F (20.5°C). Evenings can get cooler, so do pack a light jacket. Precipitation increases, with an average of 1.87 inches of rain.
Get in on the Fourth of July celebrations, including a parade, fireworks, concerts, and other fun stuff. Check out the Breckenridge Summer Beer Festival, where you can sample local brews, browse local vendors, and take in live music.
Sit back and savor superb classical music at the Breckenridge Music Festival Summer Series, or watch cyclists put the pedal to the metal in the Breck Epic Mountain Bike Stage Race.
August
August keeps the warm spell rolling, with temps averaging between 38.8°F (3.7°C) and 67.6°F (19.7°C), and an average of 1.91 inches of precipitation keeps things fresh. Summer activities are in full swing, with a full roster of hiking, biking, river rafting, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
And the August bonus: the summer crowds are dwindling, but everything in town is still open, and you can still get in on some fantastic festivals.
Relish the tastes of summer at the Breckenridge Hogfest Bacon & Bourbon Festival, where you can sample dishes from local chefs, savor bourbon cocktails, and enjoy live music. Take in some of the region’s finest art at the Breckenridge Main Street Art Festival, featuring the works of over 100 artists.
September
September marks another transition as Breckenridge gently slips from summer to fall. Temperatures begin to drop, with averages ranging between 31°F (-0.5°C) and 59.4°F (15.2°C). Rainfall drops off to an average of 1.4 inches, but there may be some skiffs of snow at higher elevations.
Hike, bike, or take a scenic cruise to drink in the stunning fall foliage in and around Breckenridge. If you want to hit the color at its crest, plan to hit the hiking trails in late September. (Bring your camera!)
Get into the merry mood at Oktoberfest (September 15 to 17), where you can polka, hear live music, and indulge yourself in fantastic German food and beer.
If you’re an indie flick fan, you’ll want to catch some of the best from around the world at the Breckenridge Film Fest Fall Edition, then head to Breckenridge Wine Classic Fall Edition to sample some luscious Colorado wines.
October
If you missed out on the September show, you’ve still got a chance to catch the fall colors at their golden peak in early October. Temperatures continue to slide – so be sure to pack some warm layers and a light jacket. Average temperatures range between 21.6°F (-5.7°C) and 47°F (8.3°C)
Heads up, snow fans: it’s b-a-a-a-ck! October sees an average of 9 inches, a sure sign that winter is on the way.
Get into the Spooky Season at the grandly-titled Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival Still on The Hill Grand Tasting Event. Sample craft spirits from more than 40 local distillers, groove to live music, and compete in a costume contest. Or have some fearsome fun enjoying traditional food, music, and art at the Dia de los Muertos celebrations around town.
November
November is the month that winter declares its arrival in Breckenridge. Temperatures continue to dip, with averages ranging from 11°F (-11.6°C) to 34°F (1.1°C). Those early skiffs of snow are now up to an average of 22 inches – so break out the boots and parkas and polish up the skis.
The month of November is prime time for early-season skiing and boarding, with the powder-doused slopes opening up their uncrowded runs. Great for newbies!
Get pumped for the winter season at the Breckenridge Ski Resort Opening Day in the second week of November. Apre-ski, settle back and savor some of Colorado’s best jazz at the Breckenridge Jazz Festival.
December
December is Breck’s winter season pinnacle, with festive lights, decorations, and events all over town. Temperatures sit way down on the scale, with averages ranging from 3°F (-16°C) and 24.6°F (-4°C). On the upside, Jack Frost and a generous average snowfall of 16 inches transform Breckenridge into a powder-covered paradise.
Catch the holiday spirit at the Breckenridge Lighting & Race of The Santas, where you can cheer on hundreds of Santas racing down Main Street, witness the town being lit up, and catch some live entertainment.
Channel your inner Viking at Ullr Fest, a wacky tribute to the Norse god of snow and winter, and ring in the new year with fireworks, parties, and celebrations around town.
