Why Now Is the Best Time to Visit This Scenic Colorado Town at the Base of Pikes Peak Without the Crowds

When is the best time to visit this beloved Colorado small town sitting just at the foot of Pikes Peak? 

During a months-long road trip across the Rockies, I carved out a whole month to drive through the state and Colorado Springs in the dead of winter. It was perfect, as I may have been chasing that powder snow, but it was definitely cold for anyone who isn’t as into winter sports. 

Colorado Springs’ weather swings from snowy winters to beautiful summers with cool evenings. So, breaking it down by visitor seasons looks something like this:

• Best Season: June to August or winter for snow sports
• Peak Season: June to August
• Off-Peak Season: November to February

Now, let’s see what each season is like, including the must-experience events and the typical monthly weather patterns. Whether you’re popping over for a quick Colorado Springs day trip or settling in for a more extended adventure, including visits to the Garden of the Gods or a ride on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, this is the prime time to go to Colorado Springs.

Best Time to Visit Colorado Springs

Best Time of Year to Visit

The ideal time to go to Colorado Springs is the summertime, as it’s the time of year with the best weather and various events happening throughout the city. Come pre-summer or post to avoid the crowds but still have the lovely weather. Plus, you’ll catch the golden aspens if you come closer to fall. 

Best Time for Good Weather

For the best weather, visit between June and August when temperatures average in the mid to high 70s during the day and drop into the 50s at night. This season also sees an abundance of sunshine.

Best Time to Avoid Crowds

To totally avoid the crowds, November to February is your window. This off-peak season sees fewer visitors due to the colder weather, with daily highs hovering around the 30s and 40s°F. Expect the trails and attractions like Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods to be much less crowded; sometimes, you’ll find you have them almost to yourself, but they could also be completely snowed out.

Otherwise, come in the spring, which doesn’t kick off until mid-April around here. The flowers start blooming, and all the trails open up, but the peak summer crowds haven’t shown up yet.

Cheapest Time to Visit

The cheapest time to visit Colorado Springs is again in the winter when the chilly weather keeps most tourists at bay. During this off-peak season, you can snag hotel rooms for significantly less, often seeing rates drop by more than 40% compared to peak summer months.

Worst Time to Visit Colorado Springs

The worst time to visit Colorado Springs is during the peak of winter, from December through February. You’ll face freezing temperatures that can dip well below freezing. Also, many trails and even roads are unplowed and unusable. 

Seasons of Colorado Springs

Spring (April to June)

Spring in Colorado Springs is a time of melting snow. This period marks the gradual transition from chilly to warmer weather, where temperatures can range from a brisk 45°F in early March to a comfortable 65°F by the end of May. It’s a bit of a gamble with the weather; some days, a heavy jacket might be required, while others, just a light sweater.

Trails in the Garden of the Gods begin to see more footprints, yet are not as crowded as in summer. The melting snow also contributes to the beauty of waterfalls in the area. With the arrival of spring, colors explode as wildflowers begin to bloom, especially in May.

This season offers the essence of both worlds, the tail end of winter activities like the last bits of snow perfect for a late-season ski trip and the onset of warmer weather adventures. You can realistically plan a morning hike and possibly catch some snow-based activities in higher altitudes by the afternoon.

Key Events: 

• 25th Annual Chinese New Year Festival (March): With dragons, dances, and delicious eats, this festival is a blast of culture and color.
• Territory Days (May): This street festival celebrates Colorado’s mining history and Western culture with live entertainment, food vendors, and more.
• MeadowGrass Music Festival (May): A three-day music festival showcasing local and national artists in the beautiful setting of La Foret Conference & Retreat Center.

Summer (July to August)

June through August is an adventurer’s paradise, with average daytime temps swinging between a comfy 70°F to a toasty 80°F. 

The greenery is lush, the mountain trails open, and the days stretch out, giving you more time under the sun. Later in the summer, afternoon thunderstorms roll in, but they’re usually quick to move on.

The Garden of the Gods becomes a hub for climbers and photographers, and the views from Pikes Peak are like postcards.

Water lovers find their thrill in rafting down the Arkansas River or cooling off in the many natural lakes and streams. And when the temps peak, dare to dip in a crystal-clear mountain lake.

Key Events: 

• Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival (June): Wine not spend a day sipping Colorado’s finest vinos with local musicians.
• Feast of Saint Arnold (June): Dubbed Colorado’s “Church of the Holy Brew,” this festival is heaven for craft beer lovers.
• Pikes Peak Pride Fest (June):  Come celebrate diversity and equality with the community at this annual event.
• Summer Concert Series at First & Main Town Center (June – August): Free concerts every Friday.
• Colorado Renaissance Festival (June – August): Don your medieval attire and enter a world of knights, jesters, and turkey legs.

Fall (September to October)

As the calendar flips from August to September, the air gets crisp, and the trees swap their green leaves for shades of yellow, orange, and red, especially noticeable in areas like the Garden of the Gods and along the trails of Cheyenne Mountain State Park. 

Daytime temperatures drop back to between a cool 50°F and 70°F. The cooler temps make long hikes and bike rides more enjoyable, and with fewer tourists around, you’ll feel like you’ve got the trails to yourself. Fall is also when wildlife, like mule deer and elk, are more active.

One thing to note, while afternoons can be warm and sunny, mornings and evenings tend to be chilly, so dressing in layers is the way to go.

Key Events: 

• Labor Day Lift Off (September):  Take to the skies as nearly 70 hot air balloons fill Memorial Park.
• Commonwheel Art Festival in Manitou Springs (September): Support local artists and vendors while enjoying live music, food trucks, and kids’ activities at this annual festival.
• Lift Your Spirits Patriot’s Day Festival (September): A day of remembrance and community spirit featuring local food, music, and activities. 
• Reynolds Ranch House Harvest Festival (October):  Celebrate the fall season with pumpkin decorating, hayrides, and live music at this family-friendly event.
• Skeleton Craze in Manitou (October): Take part in the town’s spirited tradition of decorating and displaying skeletons throughout the city.
• Rock Ledge Ranch Harvest Festival (October): Experience harvest season as it was in the old days with historical demonstrations and fall activities.
• Penrose Apple Day (October): Celebrate all things apple, including pie-eating contests and a parade, in the charming town of Penrose.

Winter (November to March)

Winter in Colorado Springs means snow and temperatures dropping to the high 20s to mid-40s. The nearby mountain ranges are coated in a pristine layer of snow. Some years, the city sees a modest dusting, while in others, significant storms blanket the area in a deep, fluffy layer of snow. 

Yet, what makes Colorado Springs unique in winter is its 300 days of sunshine. Even after a heavy snowfall, the sun is quick to appear.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the winter months open up a whole new realm of activities. Snoeshoe the red rock formations or take winter hikes on the trails of Cheyenne Mountain State Park. And for those who crave more adrenaline, nearby ski resorts provide the perfect day trip for downhill skiing and snowboarding.

Key Events: 

• Festival of Lights Open House (December): Enjoy a night filled with dazzling light displays, festive music, and warm holiday cheer.
• The Great Fruitcake Toss (January): Join in on the quirky fun and see how far you can launch your fruitcake.
• The Cripple Creek Ice Festival (February):  Marvel at the intricate ice sculptures and take part in winter activities like ice skating and sleigh rides.

Colorado Springs Weather By Month

This is a detailed month-by-month overview of the average high and low temperatures, along with precipitation and snowfall levels, in Colorado Springs:

Month	Average High Temp.	Average Low Temp.	Precipitation (Days of Rain)
Jan	44°F	20°F	0.1d
Feb	47°F	23°F	0.5d
Mar	54°F	29°F	1.6d
Apr	61°F	36°F	3.6d
May	69°F	44°F	6.4d
Jun	80°F	53°F	6.3d
Jul	84°F	58°F	9.6d
Aug	81°F	57°F	9.5d
Sep	75°F	49°F	4.6d
Oct	64°F	38°F	2.1d
Nov	52°F	28°F	0.7d
Dec	44°F	21°F	0.2d

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

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