Best Time to Visit Boulder, Colorado 

Boulder, nestled against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, offers a plethora of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and natural beauty throughout the year. When is the best time to visit Boulder to make the most of your trip? With 20+ years living in the Boulder area, I’ll share Boulder’s top activities and hidden gems so that you can discover the best time for your visit.

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Spring: March-May

Boulder is a wonderful place to visit as the snow begins to melt and the days grow longer. There are relatively few crowds in Boulder, making this an ideal time to visit. March brings a mix of winter snow and early spring activities, perfect for those seeking snow sports like skiing and snowboarding. Visitors can spend the morning skiing or snowshoeing at Eldora, 30 minutes west of town, and go biking or hiking in the afternoon in Boulder. Boulder may get snow one day, and be warm enough to wear shorts the next day. Average temperature in March is 57°F (14°C).

By April, temperatures start to rise to an average of 64°F (18°C), and wildflowers carpet the foothills, creating stunning hiking trails. Pearl Street, the famous pedestrian area, rolls out the tulips. You’ll find a tulip festival, the Taste of Pearl, and the start of the Boulder’s Farmer’s Markets, a local institution. Sun-exposed trails start to dry up enough to enjoy hiking in the foothills. Head out on a bike ride on the paved Boulder Creek path or Walker Ranch. Check the trail conditions before you head out as conditions can vary by year.

May offers pleasant weather for outdoor exploration, with milder temperatures (averaging 72°F (22°C)) and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.  Check the forecast before going hiking, since May is the rainiest month of the year. You’ll still find plenty of sunny days to explore. Don’t miss the Bolder Boulder 10k race, which attracts thousands of runners and walkers each year. You can race this or just go for a walk and have fun, enjoying the food and drinks being handed out on the course, slip and slides, and more.

Spring Event Highlights

• Boulder Farmer’s Markets: Saturdays April 6-November 16, 2024, Wednesdays May 1-October 2, 2024
• Taste of Pearl: culinary event on Pearl St April 14, 2024 
• Tulip Fairy and Elf Festival: festival geared towards families on April 28, 2024 
• Bolder Boulder: 10k race May 27, 2024
• Boulder Creek Festival: Memorial Day weekend festival with a beer fest, kids fest, rubber ducky race, and more May 24-27, 2024

Summer: June – August 

Summer in Boulder is synonymous with outdoor adventure and vibrant festivals. Though the University of Colorado Boulder has emptied out, you’ll find more crowds during this prime tourist season.

June marks the beginning of summer, with long, sunny days ideal for hiking, biking, and rock climbing in the surrounding mountains. Average temperature is 83°F (28°C). July brings warmer temperatures (89°F (32°C) average), making it perfect for cooling off in Boulder Creek or enjoying outdoor concerts and farmers’ markets. August offers a continuation of summer activities, though crowds may start to thin towards the end of the month, providing a more serene experience. 

There is no shortage of great day hikes around Boulder. Be aware of the heat, wear a hat and sunscreen, and carry plenty of water. Shady trails such as the Green Mountain West Trailhead, Anne U. White Trail, and the Lion’s Lair Traill are good close to town options. Consider also taking a day trip up to Brainard Lake west of town or Rocky Mountain National Park area north of town. Both have timed entry systems.

Escape the heat all summer by swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, or sailing on Boulder Reservoir or Longmont’s Union Reservoir. Mcintosh Lake in Longmont and Standley Lake in Westminster, both with no motorized boats, are peaceful alternatives when Boulder Reservoir gets crowded. Note that swimming is not allowed in either lake. Tubing on Boulder Creek normally runs from May to September. Check the water levels on the American Whitewater site before you go to ensure this is safe. Tubes can be rented in town.

Summer Event Highlights

There are more cultural and athletic events during the summer in Boulder than we can include here. A few highlights include:

• Boulder Farmer’s Markets: Saturdays April 6-November 16, 2024, Wednesdays May 1-October 2, 2024
• Colorado Shakespeare Festival: theater under the stars June-August
• 4th of July Celebration: concert and fireworks
• Pearl Street Arts Fest: July 19-21, 2024
• Band on the Bricks: Wednesdays June and July on Pearl St.

Fall: September – November 

Fall is a spectacular time to be in Boulder. The atmosphere in Boulder shifts as students arrive back in town. The fall foliage colors in Colorado are a mix of yellows and oranges, with the aspen trees leading the way. We’d argue that Boulder is one of the best places to see the fall colors in Colorado.

September offers crisp mornings and warm afternoons (averaging 79°F (26°C), and golden aspens. It is an ideal time for scenic drives along the Peak to Peak Highway, and for hikes around Brainard Lake and in Rocky Mountain National Park. Keep in mind that the foliage changes at higher elevations before it changes in Boulder. October showcases the peak of fall foliage in Boulder, with average high temperatures of 67°F (19°C). November generally brings cooler temperatures (highs averaging 55°F (13°C)) and the increased possibility of early snowfall.

The weather and landscape are perfect in fall for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, other than the occasional rainy or snowy day. The Bobolink Trail, Mesa Trail, and Fowler Trail are great places to enjoy the changing foliage around Boulder. Plenty of people continue to use the lakes for paddling and sailing. Check the water temperature before heading out to ensure it is safe.

Other things to do in Boulder include pumpkin patches and farm stands (try Munson Farms), visiting the art museum or going on a mural tour, and trying out the fall menus at Boulder’s top restaurants.

Fall Event Highlights

• Boulder Fall Fest: with food, beer, wine, music, and family activities, September 13-15, 2024
• Boulder Farmer’s Markets: Saturdays April 6-November 16, 2024, Wednesdays May 1-October 2, 2024
• CU Buffaloes Football games September-November
• Switch on the holidays on Pearl Street November 24, 2024

Winter: December – February 

Winter in Boulder beckons with a wonderland of snow-covered peaks and cozy indoor activities. There are plenty of sunny days during the winter, but they are interspersed with some cold, snowy, and windy days.

December brings holiday cheer, with festive events and opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing in the nearby mountains. January offers powdery snow in the mountains ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. February provides a mix of winter activities and glimpses of early spring, as temperatures begin to slowly rise, and daylight hours extend. Average high temperatures in December and January are 47°F (8°C), while February’s highs average 49°F (9°C).

Outdoor activities in winter include:

• Downhill skiing: the closest downhill skiing to Boulder is at Eldora Mountain, 30 minutes west of town. Buses run from downtown Boulder. They have cross-country and snowshoeing, rentals, and lessons.
• Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing: when there is enough snow in Boulder, Boulder Nordic Club grooms North Boulder Park and CU South. The trails around Brainard Lake are un-groomed and beautiful, offering a good alternative to Eldora. Bring your own skis or rent in Boulder before heading out.
• Winter hiking: many of the hiking trails around Boulder are enjoyable year-round, making winter hiking a popular pastime in Boulder. Check the trail conditions on sites like Alltrails to see if microspikes are needed for safety.
• Biking: cyclists are on the roads and on select trails year round, depending on conditions.

Winter Event Highlights

• CU Mens and Womens basketball games
• Lights of December Parade: December 7, 2024
• Winterfest at Chautauqua: classic winter festivals with music, carriage rides, guided hikes
• First Day Hikes: January 1, 2025
• Boulder International Film Festival late February-early March

With its diverse array of activities and natural beauty year-round, Boulder, Colorado, offers something for every traveler, regardless of the season. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a serene escape into nature, there’s no wrong time to visit this charming city. When is the best time for you to visit Boulder? Consider your preferences for weather, outdoor activities, and crowd levels to determine the best month for your Boulder adventure. Start planning your trip today and embark on an unforgettable journey to the heart of the Rockies! 

You might like our post on How to Spend 24 Hours in Boulder, Colorado.

Where to Stay in Boulder

There are many unique places to stay in Boulder, reflecting the quirky and 1-of a kind feel of the city itself. Booking lodging can be a challenge around peak University of Colorado weekends, such as drop-off in the fall, parents weekend, homecoming, and graduation. Plan well in advance for visits on these dates.

• Boulderado Hotel is Boulder’s first luxury hotel, built in 1909, with a host of amenities. It is one block to Pearl Street. 
• Colorado Chautauqua Cottages offer a unique location and charming cottages, wonderfully positioned for our itinerary.
• Residence Inn Marriott Boulder Canyon sits about a block from Pearl Street, and has rooms with kitchen(ettes).
• Hyatt Place Boulder/Pearl Street is a newer property with rooms conveniently located just over a mile from the pedestrian area of Pearl Street.
• A-Lodge Boulder offers campsites, hostel rooms, and cabins.

Getting to Boulder

Getting to Boulder, Colorado is relatively straightforward, whether you’re arriving by air or by road. If you’re flying, the nearest major airport is Denver International Airport (DEN), which is approximately 45 miles southeast of Boulder. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a shuttle service, or use public transportation like the RTD SkyRide bus, which offers convenient connections to Boulder. RTD also connects Boulder with downtown Denver.

If you prefer to drive, Boulder is easily accessible from major cities in Colorado and surrounding states via Interstate 25 and US Route 36. It’s worth noting that Boulder is a scenic 30-40 minute drive from downtown Denver, making it a popular day trip destination for those exploring the Mile-High City. Once you arrive in Boulder, you’ll find a well-connected transportation system, including buses and bike lanes, to help you explore the city and its surroundings with ease.

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