While Aspen will always be known as a world-class skiing destination, the fun doesn’t end as soon as the snow melts. Hiking and biking trails begin to emerge, and the snow-covered mountains stand out against the green of spring. If Aspen’s natural beauty and outdoor activities aren’t enough to draw you to the valley, our cozy mountain town has lots of high-end stores as well as food, art, and cultural events that rival those in the nation’s greatest cities.

Ultimately, Aspen is a small town with big vistas and a booming events schedule. So, if you want to plan a trip to Aspen, here’s how you might decide the best time to go.

Planning an Aspen Visit by Weather

Many vacationers decide where to go based on the weather they’re hoping to experience. If someone isn’t fond of heat and humidity, for example, they won’t be heading to the beaches of south Florida. In Aspen, you can expect cool mornings and nights, even in the heat of the summer, but the year-round temperatures may help you determine the best time for your Aspen visit.

  • Spring in Aspen is eager for the thaw, with early morning temperatures in the mid-20s to 40s. In late April or early May, late-season snow gives way to milder days as the first bright blossoms of the year appear.
  • Summer in Aspen brings temperatures as low as the mid-30s (particularly in the early months), while daytime summer temperatures typically bring 70-90 degrees. The mountain heat is dry, so you’ll feel cooler than you would if the humidity were present.
  • Fall in Aspen brings cooler temperatures and darker days. The valley’s famous Aspen trees begin to turn spectacular shades of gold — catch them before the cold settles in for good.
  • Winter in Aspen can be cold — you can expect some below-zero mornings — but with proper layering, you’ll love the freedom of outdoor adventuring, especially on bluebird days.

Aspen’s Seasonal Appeal

Visiting Aspen During the Winter Season (December through February)

The most popular season during which to visit Aspen is definitely the wintertime. Winter sports enthusiasts from across the country flock to the Rocky Mountains for a taste of Aspen’s abundant powder. While it’s a popular time for powder hounds, it’s also the most expensive season to visit Aspen; lodging prices increase and lift tickets are expensive. For the best pricing, ski conditions, and shorter lift lines, plan to visit in early January or late February (once the holiday masses have departed). You can also save money by pre-purchasing lift tickets and renting equipment. Winter events you may enjoy are December’s 12 Days of Aspen and Wintersköl and the Winter X Games during January.

Visiting Aspen During the Spring Season (March through May)

Spring in Aspen is short and variable, with temps ranging from the 20s to the low 60s. In fact, the wettest months of the year are usually March and April — March has a reputation for being the snowiest month of the year. Keep in mind that spring break across the country is staggered and early spring is a busy time in Aspen and Snowmass. While lodging rates begin to drop once spring break season ends, finding a place to stay can be difficult. Many establishments try to close their doors for a much-needed break before the summer swarms of tourists arrive. Spring events you may enjoy include March’s Bud Light Spring Jam and the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup Finals, as well as the annual Ride for the Pass cycling event in May.

Visiting Aspen During the Summer Season

The pleasant weather of Aspen in the summer (dry heat in the mid-70s to low-90s) encourages visitors to take advantage of outdoor sports such as hiking, biking, rafting, paddleboarding, horseback riding, jeep tours, and golf. This season is also jam-packed with high-profile culinary, musical, and cultural events. Summer visits to Aspen can get pricey when the most popular summer attractions come to town, so reserve your vacation rental a few months in advance to get the best available accommodation. Summer events you may enjoy include June’s Food & Wine Classic, JAS June Experience, and Aspen Ideas Festival, as well as July’s Aspen Arts Festival and Aspen Music Festival & School concert series.

Visiting Aspen During the Fall Season

Things tend to quiet down in Aspen during the fall, and several hotels close their doors, just as they do in the spring (vacation rentals can still be found). Because you’ll have the town to yourself, more spontaneous trips are easier to make. With high temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to the early 60s, you’ll enjoy pleasant (though chilly) mountain excursions and city strolls while being dazzled by the bright colors of aspen trees as they stage their annual performance. Fall events you may enjoy are September’s JAS Labor Day Experience and the Snowmass Balloon Festival and October’s Aspen Film Fest.

Finding Lodging for Your Trip to Aspen

Because of Aspen’s pleasant year-round weather and stunning mountain terrain, there’s always something to enjoy. Explore our Aspen luxury rentals and plan your visit.