Best Time to Visit Colorado Springs for Weather, Prices, and Crowds

Destguides may receive commissions from purchases made through affiliate links in this article.

Colorado Springs, situated about one hour south of Denver, is Colorado's second most populated city and one of the region's most visited tourist destinations. For visitors, there's much to see in and around Colorado Springs, like Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Canyon Open Space.

Then there are indoor spots showcasing the area's history and culture, including the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the National Museum of World War II Aviation.

But choosing the best time to visit Colorado Springs is one of your most crucial vacation decisions. Which months bring the biggest crowds and highest prices? And when can you expect a more peaceful, laid-back experience?

This guide will cover everything you need to know about selecting the right time to travel to Colorado Springs for great weather, reasonable prices, and sparse crowds.

Organizing a last-minute visit to Colorado Springs?

Book your Colorado Springs accommodations and experiences early! See the short list of top suggestions below.

🏨 Top accommodations in Colorado Springs

• Legacy Vacation Resorts Steamboat Springs Hilltop (under $100 USD a night)
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Steamboat Springs (rated highly)
• WorldMark Steamboat Springs (relax by the pool)

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Colorado Springs

• Breathtaking Colorado Springs Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight (likely to sell out)
• Pikes Peak Jeep Tour (rated highly)
• Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, Old Stage Road Jeep Tour (rated highly)
• Colorado Springs Hands-On Falconry Class & Demonstration (rated highly)
• Fins Course Scenic Zipline Tour (very popular)

Best Time to Go to Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs Vacation Planning Questions

When is the best time to visit Colorado Springs?

The best times to visit Colorado Springs are during the spring months of April and May or during the fall months of September and October. Both periods offer fewer crowds than during the peak travel months of June through August but with nearly as pleasant weather.

Visitors can see the area's plant life returning during spring after a long, dormant winter. In the autumn, the leaves turn glorious colors, providing a unique backdrop for the landscape around Colorado Springs.

Plus, these off-season months provide the perfect opportunity to visit the city's most famous landmark: Garden of the Gods. For the best experience, book a Garden of the Gods guided Jeep tour that also takes you throughout the surrounding Pikes Peak region.

EQRoy/Shutterstock.com

When is the cheapest time to fly to Colorado Springs?

Those that want to fly to Colorado Springs will find two options. You can fly into Colorado Springs Airport (a good choice for those flying domestically) or Denver International Airport. If going for the latter option, it's approximately an hour-and-a-half drive from Denver to Colorado Springs.

From most locations, the cheapest time to fly to Colorado Springs will be in the winter months of January through March. During these months, visitors traveling to and around Colorado spend most of their time in the mountains enjoying activities like skiing and snowmobiling.

This leaves Colorado Springs, which experiences very little snow, quieter than the rest of the year. With the lull in tourism, you'll find cheap flights to Colorado Springs and some of the year's best rates on local accommodation.

And if you're worried about the cold during the winter months, don't be, as there are plenty of fun indoor activities in Colorado Springs to engage you on your vacation, even on chilly days.

Serenethos/Shutterstock.com

Are there hot springs in Colorado Springs?

You're not going to find any hot springs within Colorado Springs, however, there are several popular spots for bathing in naturally warm geothermal waters within a short trip from the city.

The closest option is Sunwater Spa in nearby Manitou Springs, just a few minutes from Colorado Springs. The mineral water isn't naturally hot but goes through an on-site heating process to create perfectly heated pools.

For an authentic geothermal hot springs experience, you'll have to drive a couple of hours to spots like Indian Hot Springs in Idaho Springs, Mount Princeton Hot Springs in Nathrop, or the highly popular Cottonwood Hot Springs in Buena Vista.

The best time of year to visit Colorado Springs to bathe in the hot springs is in late spring (March to June) once temperatures have risen, but the summer (June to September) crowds haven't yet set in.

When is the best time to see fall colors in Colorado Springs?

The fall (September to December) is an exceptionally picturesque time to visit Colorado Springs. For visitors hoping to see the area's foliage changing colors, early-to-mid October is the best time to come.

Leaves begin changing colors during mid-September, although the display is more prominent in the north of Colorado and up in the high country. By early October, the seasonal change has made its way to the Front Range.

If you're planning to visit Colorado Springs for the changing of the leaves, book your trip in advance, as this is a popular time for area hotels. If you want the best view of the changing leaves, experience a Colorado Springs hot-air balloon tour and see the landscape from above.

Andriy Blokhin/Shutterstock.com

What are the cheapest motels in Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs offers many cheap motels because of its prominent location along Interstate 25. But not all accommodation provides similar levels of hospitality and cleanliness, some are simply more convenient.

Most travelers staying in Colorado Springs motels prefer to be near the interstate, making exploring the city's natural attractions easier. Booking the Hampton Inn & Suites Colorado Springs – Air Force Academy is one of the best options available. This motel is in a convenient location and is one of the lowest-priced and highest-rated motels in the city.

EQRoy/Shutterstock.com

What are the cheapest hotels in Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs may have a smaller hotel selection than the nearby state capitol of Denver. However, visitors to the city can still choose from a surprising number of quality accommodation options.

Located in the heart of Downtown Colorado Springs, staying at The Antlers, A Wyndham Hotel, provides easy access to nearby attractions and the amenities that the city center offers. Plus, you'll typically find the rates are lower than at other comparable properties in the area.

The best time to travel to Colorado Springs when hunting for the lowest hotel rates is in the winter (December to March), when many visitors forgo the Front Range in favor of higher-elevation destinations. The most expensive period will be the summer travel months from June until August.

Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock.com

Where are the campgrounds in Colorado Springs, Colorado?

With so many people visiting Colorado Springs and the surrounding area for its natural beauty, it's no surprise that the region has many campgrounds. From primitive tent camping to luxurious RV pads with all possible amenities, there's somewhere to stay in Colorado Springs for all campers.

Most campgrounds in Colorado Springs, Colorado, are situated along U.S. Highway 24 near Garden of the Gods or south of the city off State Highway 15 near Cheyenne Mountain State Park.

The most highly recommended campgrounds in Colorado Springs include the Garden of the Gods RV Resort and the Colorado Springs KOA Holiday, which is to the south near Interstate 25.

Weather, Prices, and Crowds in Colorado Springs

Winter in Colorado Springs

Winter (December to March) is a quiet time in Colorado Springs. Daily high temperatures range from 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. But while nights can drop below freezing, snowfall is uncommon for the area.

Most travelers visiting Colorado during these months are coming for skiing, snowboarding, and other cold-weather activities in the high country. The lack of crowds brings hotel rates to some of their lowest points of the year.

There's still plenty to do in and around Colorado Springs in the winter; for example, February's Cripple Creek Ice Festival draws crowds with intricate ice sculptures, live carving competitions, and a full-size ice slide for children.

If you're searching for a unique winter experience, you could also join a hands-on Falconry class and learn more about the region's birds of prey!

Spring in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs sees a wide range of temperatures during the spring (March to June). Days in March peak at nearly 55 degrees Fahrenheit, while early June brings weather that remains comfortable at around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can expect rain and the occasional early-season snowstorm in the spring, with May and June seeing more than two inches of precipitation. The rain isn't all bad, though; it reinvigorates the area's plant life after the dormant winter (December to March).

If you've been wondering when to visit Colorado Springs, spring is the time to go if you want to see the local flora in full bloom. Notably, the vibrant and colorful landscape creates the perfect backdrop for ziplining over Seven Falls Canyon. Booking this experience is a must for adventure activity enthusiasts!

Despite spring being the off-season for Colorado Springs, the city gets busy for Memorial Day weekend with events like Territory Days and the Meadowgrass Music Festival. Instead of a Memorial Day parade, the city hosts the Memorial Day Run & March, raising funds for homeless veterans.

Summer in Colorado Springs

Summer (June to September) is the busiest season for Colorado Springs. This is primarily because families are able to travel as their children are on summer break.

Between outdoor destinations and family-friendly experiences within the city, there are plenty of things to do with the kids in Colorado Springs. The city is also a popular destination because of its proximity to attractions like Garden of the Gods and Cave of the Winds.

The average high temperature during the summer ranges from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, nighttime lows remain below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, so dress in layers if you'll be out in the evening.

Although the entire season stays busy in Colorado Springs, Labor Day weekend in early September brings some of the largest crowds. The Labor Day Lift-Off welcomes visitors with over 70 hot air balloons, concerts, and a skydiving demonstration.

Fall in Colorado Springs

Many visitors consider the fall (September to December) the best season for visiting Colorado Springs. The summer crowds have gone and taken the high prices with them, and incidences of rainfall also drop once the rainy season ends in August.

The pleasant weather and thinned-out crowds make fall ideal for learning about the area's history and culinary culture by eating your way through a Colorado Springs food tour.

However, the high temperatures typically drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit by Halloween. This makes mid-September to mid-October peak time to travel, especially to watch the leaves change colors.

Visitors can also enjoy a wide assortment of fall activities in Colorado Springs, including going pumpkin picking at Miners' Pumpkin Patch and celebrating Oktoberfest in late September. But with the great weather during the fall, the season is perfect for just about any of the region's activities.

In Summary

With temperate weather much milder than in the state's high country or along the eastern plains, Colorado Springs is a great place to visit during any month.

However, the best time of year to visit Colorado Springs for good weather, lower rates, and the fewest crowds will be in the late-spring months of April and May or the early-fall months of September and October.

The weather is perfect in the summer (June to September), but expect high crowds and area hotels to be pricey. Winter (December to March) is the slow season for the city, but visitors can still find plenty of indoor and outdoor attractions to enjoy.

This article was edited by Alli Sewell.

Give us feedback about this article