Best Time to Visit Aspen: A Monthly Guide

Aspen is a popular winter destination for skiers and snowboarders from all over the world because of its immaculate slopes, snow-covered evergreen trees, and beautiful holiday lighting in the downtown area. But this mountain community in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado also serves as an ideal warm-weather basecamp for leisurely outdoor activities, good dining, and cultural events.

November to April is the best time to visit Aspen. On average, the temperature is about 20 F. During this time, the ski resorts are open and piled with snow. For those on a budget, September and October are the best times to visit. While many places are closed, there is hiking and travel expenses fall by up to 50%.

There's more to traveling than just choosing a destination and going. You often have to know the best times to visit said place. So below, we talk about the best time to visit Aspen and what each month offers!

Worst Time to Visit Aspen

Springtime, between April and early June, is the worst time to visit aspen. This is when people tend to stay indoors since ski season is finished.

Additionally, September and October are the worst times to visit aspen. This is due to the warmer weather. While Aspen is popular for hiking in the summer, and skiing in the winter; both fall and spring don't have much to offer.

If you come during these times, there are fewer events, and some hotels and stores are closed for the season.

Cheapest Time to Visit Aspen

Plan your trip to Aspen for the spring if you want to visit at the lowest possible cost. Since the ski season is essentially over and most people stay indoors due to muddy tracks, you can get fantastic prices on lodging and entertainment.

Choose September or October if you want to benefit from a little bit warmer weather. In general, it's a lovely time to go outside, and you'll save money by avoiding ski season. There are fewer events, and some hotels and venues close for a short period.

Best Time to Visit Aspen: Monthly Breakdown

January: X Games

Aspen experiences an average minimum temperature of -12.7°C (9.14°F) in January (the coldest temperature is typically recorded at night).

With an average of 42mm, January's rain and snowfall amounts are typical (1.7in). On average, there are 12 days when it rains. A 2.0°C (35.6°F) maximum daytime temperature is the norm.

In January, the ski season is in full swing, with most lifts and runs accessible to skiers and snowboarders. Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands are the primary draws to the area.

Families enjoy Snowmass'swide-open spaces and laid-back atmosphere  while expert explorers are more likely to visit Aspen Highlands.

• Wintersköl
• Aspen Gay Ski Week
• X Games

February: Visit the Art Museum

In Aspen, the average temperature in February is -11.0°C (12.2°F), typically recorded during the night.

With an average of 55mm, February's rain and snowfall amounts are typical (2.2in). On average, there are 12 days when it rains. 4.2°C (39.56°F) is the average highest daytime temperature.

Another chilly month often has a ton of brand-new snow for skiing and snowboarding. Winter activities include sleigh rides, ice skating, dog sledding, tubing, and more are highly popular in February.

A free exhibition at the Aspen Art Museum or a performance at Belly Up Aspen is also an excellent way to warm up.

• Aspen Laugh Festival
• Snowmass Rodeo
• Stars above Aspen

March: Best Time to Ski

In Aspen, the average minimum temperature in March is -6.5°C (20.3°F), mainly recorded at night.

With an average of 67mm, March's rainfall and snowfall are typical (2.6in). As a result, it is the year's wettest month. On average, there are 12 days when it rains. 7.8°C (46.04°F) is the average maximum midday temperature.

Book a trip in March for the finest skiing because it's usually one of the snowiest months in Aspen. As the days lengthen, there will also be more time for apres-ski beverages.

• Apres Ski Cocktail Classic
• 303 Day
• Mile High Beer Festival

April: Shortsfest

The typical minimum temperature is recorded throughout the night in Aspen in April which is -2.5°C (27.5°F).

With an average of 65mm, April's rain and snowfall amounts are typical (2.6in). On average, there are 12 days when it rains. 11.8°C (53.24°F) is the average highest midday temperature. Bring a heavy blanket because nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing.

Although the ski season is coming to an end, there are still plenty of wonderful bluebird days left in April before the resorts close.

Once the high season is over, Aspen settles into its low season, when hotel rates are more reasonable. If you're on a tight budget or don't mind some snow and mud on the hiking trails, now is a terrific time to travel.

• Shortsfest
• Rocky Mountain Train Show
• Mountain Plover Festival

Related Read: 20 Best Romantic Getaways In Colorado

May: Ride for the Pass

In Aspen, the average low temperature in May is 2.0°C (35.6°F) (typically, the low temperature is recorded during the night).

With an average rainfall of 52mm, May is a typical month for rainfall (2.0in). On average, it rains 11 days in a row. The daily maximum temperature often hovers around 17.5°C (63.5°F).

Since the skiers and snowboarders have left and the summer hordes haven't yet come, May in Aspen is calm and tranquil.

Tulips, daffodils, and other perennials emerge in Aspen's Victorian-era West End district's meticulously groomed gardens as the snow melts. If you ride a bike, May is the best month to travel because many high-elevation routes are still only open to cyclists, not cars.

• Ride for the Pass
• Durango Wine Experience
• Film on the Rocks

June: Mountaintop Yoga

Aspen experiences an average minimum temperature of 6.0°C (42.8°F) in June (the minimum temperature is typically recorded during the night).

With an average of 31mm, June's rainfall is ordinary (1.2in). As a result, it is the year's driest month. An average of seven days go by without rain. The daily maximum temperature often hovers around 22.9°C (73.22°F). One of the ideal times to visit Aspen is in June.

Aspen Mountain and Snowmass reopen for the summer in late June, allowing guests to enjoy scenic gondola rides, hike through aspens and evergreens, and go mountainbiking.

• Aspen Saturday Market
• Jazz Aspen Snowmass
• Aspen Ideas Festival
• Food & Wine Classic

July: Aspen Music Festival

In Aspen, the average minimum temperature in July is 9.0°C (48.2°F), mainly recorded during the night. With an average of 49mm, July's rainfall is ordinary (1.9in). On average, it rains 11 days in a row. The daily maximum temperature often hovers around 26.0 °C (78.8 °F).

July is a particularly popular time to visit Aspen because of the ideal 70-degree weather and the abundance of arts and culture events to attend.

The bright days are also ideal for hiking, cycling, and fly-fishing activities. It's best to make reservations whenever you can because restaurants, pubs, and events can fill up quickly.

• Aspen Music Festival and School
• Aspen Arts Festival
• Hike

August: Visit the Roaring Folk Valley

In Aspen, the average minimum temperature in August is 8.7°C (47.66°F), mainly recorded during the night. With an average of 43mm, August's rainfall is typical (1.7in). On average, there are 12 days when it rains.

The maximum daily temperature often hovers around 24.4°C (75.92°F). One of the best times to visit Aspen is in August.

August is the ideal month to climb a high-alpine mountain summit because almost all of the snow has melted. by this time, The city is buzzing, the wildflowers are still in bloom, and outdoor dining is king.

The Roaring Fork Valley attracts tourists because of the pleasant climate and variety of recreational activities, including cycling and golf. Hotel rooms are expensive and fill up quickly.

• Civic Center EATS
• Colorado Shakespeare Festival
• Colorado Renaissance Festival

September: Snowmass Balloon Festival

Aspen's average minimum temperature in September is 4.3°C (39.74°F), mainly recorded during the night. With an average of 53mm, September's rainfall is typical (2.1in).

On average, it rains for ten days. The daily maximum temperature often hovers around 20.8°C (69.44°F). One of the most recommended months to visit Aspen is September.

The fall foliage begins to change gradually until entire groves are a brilliant gold in September when it reaches its height.

Aspen sees a lot of leaf-peepers at this time of year, but it's still a tranquil, reasonably priced destination. September is an excellent month for hiking and mountain biking, especially on less-traveled trails because the days are still sunny and pleasant.

• Snowmass Balloon Festival
• Jazz Aspen Snowmass
• Labor Day Experience

October: Fall Foliage

The fall foliage begins to change gradually until entire groves are a brilliant gold in September, when it reaches its height. Aspen sees a lot of leaf-peepers at this time of year, but it's still a tranquil, reasonably priced destination.

September is an excellent month for hiking and mountain biking, especially on less-traveled trails because the days are still sunny and pleasant.

In Aspen, October is a slower month. Golden-yellow aspen leaves fall as autumn's cool temperatures give way to winter's frigid grasp, and the city draws a collective sigh before beginning its high season preparations.

• John Denver Celebration
• Fall Foliage

Related Read: 25 Best Colorado Springs Hiking Trails

November: Shining Mountains Film Festival

Aspen experiences an average minimum temperature of -7.0°C (19.4°F) in November (the minimum temperature is typically recorded at night).

With an average of 62mm, November's rainfall and snowfall are typical (2.4in). On average, it rains for ten days. The daytime maximum temperature often hovers around 6.7°C (44.06°F).

Around Thanksgiving, the ski season usually begins; however, only a few runs have enough snow to be operational. If you don't mind having some restrictions on where you may ski or snowboard, November is a low-traffic month and a fantastic opportunity to discover discounts on hotels.

• Opening day at Aspen Mountain and Snowmass ski areas
• Shining Mountains Film Festival

December: Christmas in Aspen

Aspen experiences an average minimum temperature of -12.0°C (10.4°F) in December (the coldest temperature is typically recorded at night).

With an average of 54mm, December's rainfall and snowfall are typical (2.1in). On average, there are 12 days when it rains. 1.4°C (34.52°F) is the average highest midday temperature.

Throughout the first few weeks of December, Aspen remains somewhat uncrowded as more snow accumulates and more terrain becomes accessible for skiing and snowboarding.

However, the town is overrun with tourists in the weeks leading up to and following Christmas. The busiest time for dining and the most expensive time of year for hotels is late December.

• Polar Express Train Ride
• Telluride Fire Festival
• Parade of Lights

Best Time to Visit Aspen for Snowmass

Winter is the best season to plan a trip to Aspen Snowmass if you enjoy the white stuff. While two of the four Aspen Snowmass ski resorts can open as early as Thanksgiving weekend and remain open as late as May, it is normally recommended to visit the valley in the middle of winter for the best chance of snow.

Skiing or snowboarding on one (or all!) of the four Aspen Snowmass Mountains—Aspen Mountain (AJAX), Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, or Snowmass—is the most obvious choice.