Here’s Why Now Is the Best Time to Explore These Incredibly Ancient US Cliff Dwellings

What is the best time to visit this UNESCO world heritage site of ancient Puebloan archaeological architecture lodged in the Colorado Plateau? 

On my own Rockies road trip, I reached this Southwestern Colorado national park in early March, which I admit was not the greatest time to come. Sure, there weren’t many people, but it was freezing, and I found out when I arrived that the Cliff Dwelling tours only run from May to October. 

So when is the best time to visit Mesa Verde National Park? 

The short answer: Anytime between May and October. The tour season changes according to the weather, but the best time to travel to Mesa Verde is between late spring and early fall.

The climate at Mesa Verde National Park can swing from dry summers to snowy winters. So, let’s dig deeper into this historical Colorado park’s weather, season, and special events.

Best Time to Visit Mesa Verde National Park

Whether you’re planning a one day trip to Mesa Verde or a longer stay, touring the Cliff Palace, or hiking the Petroglyph Point Trail, these are the Mesa Verde visitor seasons:

• Peak Season: June to September 
• Shoulder Seasons: May and October 
• Off-Peak Season: November to April

Best Time of Year to Visit

The optimal time to go to Mesa Verde National Park is during the peak season, from May to September. The weather will be generally warm, but most importantly, the ranger-led tours are fully operational. Seeing the astounding architecture of the Puebloan people really is the whole point of this national park, and it’s something that you can only go with a guide.

You once could self-guide the Spruce Tree House, which is not as well-preserved, but this has been closed since 2015. 

Best Months for Good Weather

Visit Mesa Verde in the summer for the best weather. Between May and September, the park experiences abundant sunshine with daytime temperatures averaging around 80-85°F (27-29°C). However, the nights can still cool down to the 50s°F (10-15°C) in the desert evenings.

Best Time for Smaller Crowds

Mesa Verde is a relatively underrated park, but the shoulder seasons in May and October are your best bet for the smallest crowds. The weather should be good enough, and visitor numbers will be up to 50% lower than in the peak months. 

In the winter, there could be less than 10,000 visitors a month, but much of the park is closed off.

Cheapest Time to Visit

The most budget-friendly time is during the off-peak season from November to April. During these quieter months, local accommodations and nearby attractions significantly reduce their rates, sometimes almost by half, compared to the summer prices.

Best Season for Stargazing

If you’re into stargazing, come to Mesa Verde during the relatively more comfortable summer nights. At such a high elevation and being in the desert, it’s chilly at night all year round.

Mesa Verde National Park was actually just certified as the world’s 100th International Dark Sky Park in 20211.

Worst Time to Visit

The worst time to visit Mesa Verde National Park is arguably in the depths of winter, specifically from late December through March. The Colorado winter weather can be harsh, with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfalls leading to road closures and limited access to park facilities. 

Also, the park’s key attractions, the cliff dwelling tours, are closed during this period, so you’ll miss out on the best aspects of the Mesa Verde experience.

Park Closures

Mesa Verde National Park is technically open 365 days a year. But the entire main road can close in the winter due to snowy conditions. As already mentioned, the ranger tours are seasonal between late spring and early fall.

The Wetherill Mesa currently has closures that may last until 2024, and the Spruce Tree House cannot be visited for the foreseeable future. 

Seasons at Mesa Verde National Park

Spring (March to May)

During Spring in Mesa Verde National Park, temperatures begin to climb to highs averaging around 60-70°F (15-21°C). However, nights drop to around 30°F (-1°C), so pack some warm clothing. 

Rainfall is moderate in spring, but it’s nothing you can’t handle with a good waterproof jacket. The animals reemerge, and plants start to show signs of new growth. 

In late spring, the Cliff Palace and other dwellings begin to open for the season, but check ahead as opening times depend on weather conditions. Visitor numbers are relatively low in early spring, but by late spring, you’ll start to see more visitors. It’s still not as crowded as the summer months. 

The Petroglyph Point Trail, a popular hiking trail in the park, is ideal for spring visits. You’ll get to see wildflower blooms and intriguing rock carvings. 

Summer (June to August)

Summer is the peak season at Mesa Verde National Park, with June through August pulling in the most visitors. The sun is shining, and all the attractions, including the most sought-after cliff dwelling tours, are operating in full swing. You will need to reserve in advance to make sure you get a spot.

Daytime temperatures typically range between 80 to 90°F (27 to 32°C). While it can get quite warm, the low humidity makes the heat more bearable. Contrast that with the cool, refreshing nights that get to 50-60°F or 10-15°C).

Summer is the only full season of the park’s ranger-led programs. These educational sessions roam into the ancient cities, giving an in-depth look into the Puebloan culture and history.

Fall (September to November)

Fall, spanning from September to November, is another exceptional period to visit Mesa Verde National Park. The heat of the summer subsides, and the park is cooled down to daytime weather fluctuating between 50 to 70°F (10 to 21°C). The night can plummet to near freezing.

The foliage turns into a palette of oranges, yellows, and reds; rainfall is typically minimal during this period. Early snowfalls may occur towards the end of the season.

The visitor crowd starts to thin out as summer vacationers head home. The notable cliff dwelling tours remain open until mid-October (weather permitting), albeit on a reduced schedule.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Mesa Verde National Park is engulfed in a blanket of snow. Temperatures range from 40 to 50°F (4-10°C) during the day to below freezing at night.

The park’s higher elevations can receive significant snowfall, leading to seasonal closures of certain areas for safety reasons, including some of the major cliff dwellings and sometimes the entire main road up the mesa.

Despite some restrictions, you can come for winter sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. And you can be sure there will be few other visitors now. 

Mesa Verde Weather By Month

Mesa Verde is found at an elevation of over 7,000 feet, which means the weather can be unpredictable. The park experiences all four seasons, and temperatures can vary up to 20°F in a single day. 

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect throughout the year: 

Month	Average High Temp (°F)	Average Low Temp (°F)	Avg Precipitation (inches)
January	40.3	18.4	1.67
February	44.3	19.2	1.75
March	50.4	26.4	1.69
April	51.6	33.9	1.35
May	71.2	43.6	0.99
June	82.6	51.8	0.71
July	87.5	57.5	1.86
August	84.8	55.6	2.13
September	75.7	48.2	1.58
October	65.7	39.2	1.59
November	51.4	27.9	1.09
December	41.7	20.8	1.80

Best Time of Day to Visit

The golden hour, that magical time just before sunset, is the best time of day at Mesa Verde. The dramatic lighting casts a golden glow on the mesa landscape and historical cliff dwellings. 

Here’s a general guide of what you can expect throughout the day:

• Early Morning (Sunrise to 9 AM): The park has few visitors. It’s a great time for photography due to the soft morning light. 
• Mid-Morning to Afternoon (9 AM to 4 PM): This is when the park is most crowded. The sun is at its peak, making it less ideal for photography. Join guided tours or explore indoor exhibits to avoid the midday heat.
• Late Afternoon to Evening (4 PM to Sunset): As the crowd thins out and temperatures cool down, hike the trails.
• Night (After sunset): The park is generally quiet during this time, great for stargazing.

Special Events or Festivals

Check out these awesome events and festivals taking place in or near Mesa Verde National Park:

• Mesa Verde Country Food, Wine & Art Festival: This is a must-go if you’re around in late August. Expect tasty local food, fine wine, and unique art pieces.
• Fee Free Day: Who doesn’t love free stuff? On certain days, you can explore the park without spending a dime on entrance fees.
• Indian Arts and Culture Festival: Get a taste of Native American culture and history at this traditional festival.
• 4 Corners Motorcycle Rally: If you love motorcycles and beautiful landscapes, you won’t want to miss this.

Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in Colorado?

I’ve vanlifed south to the north all of Colorado in the dead of winter to early spring. Let me tell you, it was cold, but turn on that buddy heater, and let’s hit the slopes. If you’re looking for more information on Colorado, check out these other destination itineraries.

• Perfect One Day In Mesa Verde National Park Itinerary
• Perfect One Day In Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Itinerary
• Unbeatable One Day In Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
• One Day In Boulder Itinerary: What Not To Miss On A Day Trip
• Perfect One Day In Denver Itinerary For First-Timers
• Perfect One Day In Great Sand Dunes National Park Itinerary

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.