Estes Park Weather

By Season

• Summer in Estes is just about perfect weather. Native Americans summered in this valley 10,000 years ago to enjoy the mild weather and abundant wildlife.
• Fall brings clear blue skies and crisp air with occasional snows, bugling elk and bighorn sheep butting contests. Aspen leaves start turning in late August. The peak of the gold rush runs from mid-September into early October. Daylight and elevation set the timing of the color season. Rain, snow, cold and wind affect the intensity of color.
• Winter storms come from the west but the high mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park protect the Estes valley and make our winters relatively mild. In fact, we average over 300 sunny days every year.
• Spring brings mild temperatures, fluffy white snows and showers to feed the wildflowers. This is also the time when bull elk and buck deer drop their antlers and spotted fawns and calves are hidden in the new green foliage.

Weather in the Park

High mountain weather can change rapidly, and may be very different on the West and East sides of the Park.  Afternoon thunder showers are common in the summer.

Here’s more info on what you might encounter weather-wise and how to get the most current status.