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Aspen Weather and When to Visit

When is the Best Time to Visit Aspen?

Aspen offers visitors four distinct seasons with a large variety of outdoor activities and beautiful scenery throughout the year. With so much to do and see and 246 days of sunshine per year, there is really no bad time to visit Aspen, Colorado. Choose your favorite season, book your lodging and begin planning your Aspen vacation today!

Winter

With a blanket of sparkling white snow covering the peaks of the Maroon Bells, Aspen transforms into a true winter wonderland. Winter in Aspen is filled with some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country, fantastic snowshoeing and Nordic skiing, and good vibes all around. In January, the X Games Aspen draw crowds to watch some of the best skiers and snowboarders compete. The average annual Aspen snowfall is about 164-inches. With highs in the low- to mid-40s and lows in the -teens, be sure to pack your winter coat, gloves and hats!

Spring

It doesn’t get much better than Aspen Spring skiing. With many sunny days and snowy nights, spring in Aspen is filled with fun. Springtime offers a great selection of live music and fun events, both on and off the mountain. Visit after Aspen Mountain closes to experience the more peaceful, quiet side of town. Daily highs range from the mid-40s in March to the low-60s in May and lows rarely drop below 20-degrees during the spring. Sunny spring days on the snow can have a very high UV index, so don’t forget to pack sunscreen, hats and sunglasses!

Summer

While we think each season is absolutely stunning in Aspen, many people would say that summer is the best time to visit Aspen. The Aspen Food and Wine and Aspen Ideas Festivals in June and the Audi Power of Four Trail Run and Mountain Bike Race in July bring foodies, entrepreneurs and athletes to Aspen during the summer months. Summer is a great season to get outside and explore the Maroon Bells and other nearby mountains. Summertime weather in Aspen is close to perfect, with highs in the 70s and lows in the mid- to high-40s and plenty of sunshine.

Fall

In September, the Aspen mountainsides light up with golds, yellows, oranges and reds. The best time to see fall foliage in Aspen is from mid-September to mid-October. Hiking through the changing leaves is truly a magical experience. There are also a number of great Aspen events in the fall. Over Labor Day weekend, Jazz Aspen fills the streets with music from top artists. Also in September, dozens of hot air balloons fill the horizon at the Snowmass Hot Air Balloon Festival. During the fall months, average highs are in the 60s and lows are in the 30s.

Aspen Weather & When to Visit FAQ

 

When does it snow in Aspen, Colorado?

  • Snow usually begins to fall in October and continues until May. Although, there have been many years with snow in September and June!

 

How do I check road conditions around Aspen?

  • Weather can be unpredictable in the Rocky Mountains, and it can snow until well into the summer at high elevations! Be sure to check Aspen road conditions by visiting the CDOT website before traveling.

 

When is the Aspen Food and Wine Festival?

  • The Aspen Food and Wine Festival takes place in mid to late June every year. 

 

When do the ski area open?

  • Aspen Snowmass usually opens toward the end of November - generally Thanksgiving!

 

When do the X Games Aspen start?

  • The X Games in Aspen take place annually in late January.

 

Aspen, Colorado Vacation Rentals

 Aspen offers fun and excitement year-round in a town steeped in history, sports, and nature. No matter when you are planning to visit Aspen, we are sure that you will find an Aspen vacation rental that suits your needs with McCartney. Browse properties, check availability and book easily online today!