Weather and seasons at a glance
There is no single best month for everybody. The park is free and open from 5 a.m. every day of the year, so the choice depends on what you want: warm days, quiet trails, snow on the red rocks or the longest opening hours. The numbers below are long-term averages, not a forecast for your dates.
Summers are warm and the wettest part of the year falls in July and August. Winter days stay cool and the nights are cold. Spring and autumn sit in between, and the weather can swing within a week. Our pick, based on the averages alone, is September and October for mild days and less rain, but that is a judgement and not a ranking.
Colorado Springs weather by month
Average daily high and low and average monthly precipitation, 1991 to 2020 normals from the NOAA station at Colorado Springs airport.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 45°F (7.2°C) | 18°F (−7.5°C) | 0.3 in (7.4 mm) |
| February | 47°F (8.1°C) | 20°F (−6.6°C) | 0.3 in (8.1 mm) |
| March | 55°F (12.7°C) | 27°F (−2.6°C) | 0.8 in (20.1 mm) |
| April | 61°F (16.1°C) | 34°F (1.1°C) | 1.4 in (36.8 mm) |
| May | 71°F (21.5°C) | 44°F (6.4°C) | 2.0 in (50.5 mm) |
| June | 82°F (27.6°C) | 53°F (11.6°C) | 2.3 in (57.7 mm) |
| July | 87°F (30.3°C) | 58°F (14.6°C) | 3.1 in (79.2 mm) |
| August | 84°F (28.7°C) | 57°F (13.7°C) | 3.0 in (75.2 mm) |
| September | 77°F (25.1°C) | 49°F (9.4°C) | 1.4 in (34.3 mm) |
| October | 65°F (18.2°C) | 37°F (2.6°C) | 0.8 in (19.6 mm) |
| November | 53°F (11.6°C) | 26°F (−3.3°C) | 0.4 in (9.4 mm) |
| December | 45°F (7.0°C) | 19°F (−7.4°C) | 0.2 in (5.8 mm) |
The Fahrenheit and inch values are rounded conversions of the metric figures. The station stands at 6,181 feet (1,884 m). The park is higher, at about 6,400 feet (1,951 m), so the rocks can be a little cooler than the table. Precipitation includes the liquid equivalent of snow. The table shows averages and not records.
Tours for every season
Jeep, bike and guided tours around Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, with live prices and availability.
What suits which month
A way to choose, based on the averages above.
December to February
Cool days at 45 to 47°F (7 to 8°C), cold nights well below freezing and little precipitation. Snow is possible, so wear shoes with grip. Visitor center hours are shorter in winter, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
March and April
Highs climb from 55 to 61°F (13 to 16°C) and precipitation picks up. Expect mixed weather and pack layers.
May and June
Warm days, from 71 to 82°F (22 to 28°C), and more rain than in spring. From Memorial Day weekend the visitor center keeps its summer hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
July and August
The hottest and wettest months of the year. Plan outdoor time with the day's forecast in mind and know where you can shelter. Details on thunderstorms are further down.
September and October
Highs fall from 77 to 65°F (25 to 18°C) and rain drops to 1.4 and 0.8 in (34 and 20 mm). Nights turn cold in October, with a low of 37°F (2.6°C).
November
Highs around 53°F (12°C) and lows below freezing. Several attractions shorten their hours, so check each one.
What changes with the season
Opening hours and schedules that depend on the time of year.
| What | Season | Hours or rule |
|---|---|---|
| Garden of the Gods | 1 Nov to 30 Apr | 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Garden of the Gods | 1 May to 31 Oct | 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Visitor center | Winter | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Visitor center | Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Manitou Incline | 1 May to 31 Oct | 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Manitou Incline | 1 Nov to 30 Apr | 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
| Pikes Peak Highway toll | 1 May to 30 Nov | Adults $18, children 6 to 15 $8, carload of up to 5 $65 (city rates, 2026) |
| Pikes Peak timed entry, private cars | 22 May to 30 Sep 2026 | $2 per vehicle on top of the toll |
| Manitou Cliff Dwellings | April to October | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting |
| Riding stables, 1-hour rides | 1 May to 4 Sep / 5 Sep to 30 Apr | 9 and 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. / 10 and 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3 p.m. |
Seven Falls publishes a 2026 block from 23 October to 29 November with Friday to Sunday opening from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., plus 26 and 27 November, so it is not open daily then. The Manitou Incline needs a free online reservation at any time of year. Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day close the visitor center.
Thunderstorms and lightning
July and August bring the most rain of the year, and storms are more likely then. When you hear thunder, go inside a solid building or a fully enclosed vehicle. Outside, no place is fully safe when lightning is close. The National Weather Service advises stopping outdoor plans in good time when storms threaten, so turn back early and do not wait for the first flash.
Dry weather has its own rule. Since 17 February 2026 the city lists burn restrictions: no campfires and no smoking outdoors in the city's parks and open spaces. Check whether the restrictions still apply on your dates.
Sunrise at Garden of the Gods
Early light on the red rocks.
The park opens at 5 a.m. every day, which allows sunrise visits in all seasons. Sunrise time changes with the date, so look it up for your day and arrive before it. In winter the visitor center opens at 9 a.m. and nights are cold, so bring warm layers.
Stay on the marked paths and respect the park rules for photos. Pikes Peak can be icy and slippery in every season, and the summit is much colder than the park, so the highway needs warmer clothing. See our Pikes Peak guide, the parking guide for early lots, and where to stay for the areas around the park. If you drive from Denver, getting there has the details.
Best time to visit: frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Garden of the Gods?
That depends on what you want. By the averages, September and October offer mild days with less rain than summer. July and August are the warmest and wettest, and winter is cold but quiet. The park is open all year.
Is Garden of the Gods open in winter?
Yes. The park is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. from 1 November to 30 April. The visitor center keeps shorter winter hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How hot does Colorado Springs get in summer?
The July average high is 87°F (30.3°C) and the August average high is 84°F (28.7°C). These are averages from the airport station, so individual days can be warmer or cooler.
When is the rainy season?
July and August are the wettest months, with 3.1 and 3.0 in (79 and 75 mm) on average. Autumn is drier, and winter is the driest.
What should I do in a thunderstorm?
Go into a solid building or a fully enclosed vehicle as soon as you hear thunder. Outdoors there is no fully safe place when lightning is near.
Is the weather at the park the same as at the airport?
Not exactly. The airport station is at 6,181 feet (1,884 m) and the park is at about 6,400 feet (1,951 m). Pikes Peak is far higher and colder than both.