Best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park

July to September. Month by month below, with the weather, what's on and what it costs to fly there from your city.

July to September

Summer (July and August) and early autumn (September) are the top picks, though they are also the busiest times.

“The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is during the summer from mid-June to mid-August” intrepidtravel.com
“Looking for balmy temperatures and terrific high-altitude hiking? July and August can’t be beat.” jameskaiser.com
“The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is the second half of September.” morethanjustparks.com

4 of the 8 travel guides we read name these months.

Rocky Mountain National Park month by month

Average high and low in Estes Park, and days with rain

January37°F / 16°F · 6 rainy daysChecking fares…January, February and March are generally the snowiest months, with avalanches common.Midweek in January or February gives the most solitude.Average highs are about 37 F and lows 16 F in Estes Park.
February38°F / 16°F · 9 rainy daysChecking fares…Many people visit in February and March for snowshoeing, as days warm but snow remains.Snowshoeing and solitude are best January to March.
March45°F / 21°F · 9 rainy daysChecking fares…Larger bull elk lose their antlers around March 8 to 16.Moose sightings are unlikely from mid-October to late March.
April52°F / 26°F · 10 rainy daysChecking fares…April is often the quietest spring month because the park permit system restarts in late May.April is a shoulder month with smaller crowds and wildlife out.Elk look their worst in April and early May while shedding winter coats.
May61°F / 35°F · 12 rainy daysChecking fares…May is a great month for fewer crowds and snow-capped peaks.Elk calving season starts around May 25.Trail Ridge Road usually opens on the Friday before Memorial Day.
June74°F / 43°F · 9 rainy daysChecking fares…Trail Ridge Road is almost always open by June 5, though it can stay closed into June after snowy winters.Alpine wildflowers bloom from late June to early August.Spring conditions vary a lot, with higher elevations still snowy.
Best timeJuly80°F / 48°F · 14 rainy daysChecking fares…July is the best month to drive Trail Ridge Road, at peak alpine flower season.Afternoon thunderstorms roll through nearly every day in July and August, so start early.July is the best month for alpine wildflowers.
Best timeAugust78°F / 46°F · 13 rainy daysChecking fares…July and August are best for balmy temperatures and high-altitude hiking.Wildfire smoke has affected stretches of several recent Augusts on the Front Range.Elk bugling begins around August 24.
Best timeSeptember70°F / 39°F · 9 rainy daysChecking fares…The second half of September is one guide's top pick: elk bugling, gold aspens, and Trail Ridge Road still open.September starts the elk rut, and visitation is comparable to July and August, higher on weekends.Snow can start to fall in the higher regions around mid-September.
October57°F / 30°F · 7 rainy daysChecking fares…Fall colors peak about September 20 to October 5, with some leaves holding to mid-October.Trail Ridge Road usually closes in late October.Bighorn sheep rut runs October through early December.
November44°F / 24°F · 6 rainy daysChecking fares…Crowds fade once fall foliage ends in late October.Many elk migrate out of the park and Estes Park from November to mid April.The fewest people come November to April, midweek.
December36°F / 16°F · 7 rainy daysChecking fares…There is often snow on the ground by December.Christmas and New Year's weeks are winter peak days.

Weather: Estes Park averages (long-term averages), as listed in its climate table on Wikipedia.

Every date to Denver from your city

Live fares from your airport. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Late May to October, mainly June to SeptemberBusiest period; timed entry reservations may be needed between May 23 and October 19.

Quietest

November to AprilFewest people, especially midweek.

Watch for

Mid-October to late MayTrail Ridge Road is closed to through travel.
July and AugustNear-daily afternoon thunderstorms; lightning above treeline is dangerous.
WinterAvalanches are common.
SummerTimed entry permits are required during peak summer hours.

Questions people ask

Can you just show up to Rocky Mountain National Park?: The park is open 24 hours a day all year, but a timed entry reservation may be needed between May 23 and October 19.

Best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park

July to September

Rocky Mountain National Park month by month

Every date to Denver from your city

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places

Best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park

July to September

Rocky Mountain National Park month by month

Every date to Denver from your city

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places