Rocky Mountain National Park Weather: Complete Guide
Discover the latest weather conditions for Rocky Mountain National Park and prepare for your outdoor adventure. Stay informed with real-time updates on temperature, precipitation, and more, ensuring you’re ready to enjoy the park’s breathtaking beauty in any weather. Conditions vary a lot from place to place, so there is no single weather forecast for Rocky Mountain National park. Click a location in the park below to see current conditions and a forecast in that specific area from the National Weather Service, or start with our Intro to Weather for Rocky Mountain National Park.
Longs Peak Weather
Get the current conditions and a weather forecast for the summit of Longs Peak.
Bear Lake Weather
Get the current conditions and a weather forecast for the Bear Lake Trailhead.
Moraine Park Weather
Get the current conditions and a weather forecast for Moraine Park Campground.
Glacier Basin Weather
Get the current conditions and a weather forecast for Glacier Basin Campground.
Timber Creek Weather
Get the current conditions and weather forecast for Timber Creek Campground.
Alpine Visitor Center Weather
Get the current conditions and a weather forecast for the Alpine Visitor Center.
Aspenglen Weather
Get the current conditions and weather forecast for the Aspenglen Campground.
Estes Park Weather
Get the current conditions and a weather forecast for Estes Park, Colorado.
Discover Rocky Mountain National Park!
Moraine Park Campground
Timber Creek Campground
Longs Peak Campground
Glacier Basin Campground
Aspenglen Campground
Backcountry Camping
Wildlife Watching
Hiking
Camping
Fishing
Backpacking
Sledding
Skiing & Snowboarding
Ranger Programs
Birdwatching
Volunteering
Visitor Centers
Historical Sites
Trail Ridge Road
Fall River Road
Longs Peak
Moraine Park Campground
Timber Creek Campground
Longs Peak Campground
Glacier Basin Campground
Aspenglen Campground
Backcountry Camping
Interaction RMNP Weather Radar Map
An Introductory Guide to Weather at
Rocky Mountain National Park
Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park is an unforgettable experience, but to make the most of your trip, it’s essential to understand the park’s unique weather conditions. The park’s vast elevation range, spanning 7,500 to over 14,000 feet, can result in rapidly changing and unpredictable weather. This introductory guide will cover the important details you need to know about the park’s weather conditions and how to research and plan for them.
Seasonal Weather Patterns at RMNP
Rocky Mountain National Park experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own weather patterns:
Spring (March to May): Spring is a season of transition, with temperatures beginning to warm up and snow melting at lower elevations. However, higher elevations may still experience heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. Be prepared for a mix of rain and snow, as well as possible thunderstorms.
Summer (June to August): Summer brings warm temperatures and abundant sunshine, making it the most popular time to visit the park. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan to start your outdoor activities early in the day. Temperatures can vary greatly between day and night, so bring layers.
Fall (September to November): Fall is known for its colorful foliage, crisp air, and generally clear skies. Temperatures can range from mild to chilly, and snowfall may occur at higher elevations. This is an excellent time to explore the park, but be prepared for cooler temperatures and changing conditions.
Winter (December to February): Winter at Rocky Mountain National Park is cold and snowy, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. The park’s higher elevations are covered in deep snow, limiting access to many trails and roads. If you plan to visit during this season, pack warm clothing, and be prepared for winter driving conditions.
Checking Weather Conditions at RMNP
To research and plan for weather conditions at Rocky Mountain National Park, consider the following resources:
National Weather Service: The National Weather Service provides detailed forecasts for the park, including temperature, precipitation, and wind information. Check their website (weather.gov) for the latest updates.
National Park Service: The park’s official website (nps.gov/romo) provides up-to-date weather information, road closures, and seasonal alerts.
Local weather stations: Tune into local radio stations or visit local news websites for weather updates specific to the park and surrounding areas.
There are additional resources listed at the bottom of this guide.
Rocky Mountain National Park Weather Safety Tips
Dress in layers: Weather can change rapidly in the mountains, so it’s essential to dress in layers to stay comfortable and adapt to varying conditions.
Start early: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the park, especially during summer months. Plan to start your hikes and outdoor activities early in the day to avoid getting caught in a storm.
Stay informed: Check weather forecasts daily and stay aware of any alerts or advisories during your visit.
Be prepared for high-altitude conditions: Higher elevations can cause altitude sickness and increase the risk of sunburn. Stay hydrated, apply sunscreen, and give yourself time to acclimate to the altitude.
By understanding the weather conditions at Rocky Mountain National Park and planning accordingly, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy the park’s stunning landscapes and unforgettable experiences, no matter the season.
Additional Resources and Websites
Here are some additional websites, resources, and information about Rocky Mountain National Park weather conditions and forecasts.
National Park Service (NPS) – Rocky Mountain National Park: The official park website provides up-to-date weather information and advisories. Visit: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/all-about-weather.htm
Weather.com: The Weather Channel’s website offers detailed forecasts for the Rocky Mountain National Park area, including temperature, precipitation, and wind. Visit: https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/ROCKYMTN:13:US
AccuWeather: AccuWeather provides local and long-range weather forecasts for Rocky Mountain National Park, including radar and satellite images. Visit: https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/rocky-mountain-national-park/80517/weather-forecast/14575_poi
Weather Underground: Weather Underground offers comprehensive weather information for the park, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, and more. Visit: https://www.wunderground.com/weather/us/co/estes-park
National Weather Service (NWS) – Boulder: The National Weather Service’s Boulder office provides forecasts and advisories for Rocky Mountain National Park and surrounding areas. Visit: https://www.weather.gov/bou/rmnp
Mountain-Forecast.com: This website provides detailed weather forecasts for specific mountain peaks within Rocky Mountain National Park. Visit: https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Longs-Peak/forecasts/4345
OpenSnow: OpenSnow offers snow forecasts and information on snow conditions in the park, ideal for those planning winter activities. Visit: https://opensnow.com/location/rockymountainnationalpark
Weatherbase: Weatherbase provides historical weather data for the Rocky Mountain National Park area, allowing visitors to better understand typical weather patterns throughout the year. Visit: https://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=957250&cityname=Estes-Park-Colorado-United-States-of-America
Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC): For those visiting the park during the winter months, CAIC provides avalanche forecasts and safety information for the Rocky Mountain National Park region. Visit: https://avalanche.state.co.us/
Rocky Mountain National Park Weather FAQs
The best time to visit the park for good weather is generally from June to September. Summer brings warmer temperatures and plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Temperatures in the park can vary greatly due to the elevation range. In winter, temperatures at higher elevations can drop below zero degrees Fahrenheit, while lower elevations experience more moderate temperatures.
Rocky Mountain National Park receives an average of 150-200 inches of snow per year, with higher elevations receiving more snowfall.
The park receives the most rainfall during the summer months, with July being the wettest month. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so it’s essential to start outdoor activities early in the day.
Road closures can occur due to weather, particularly in the winter months when snow and ice create hazardous driving conditions. Check the park’s official website for updates on road closures before your visit.
Dress in layers to adapt to the changing weather conditions. Waterproof clothing, warm layers, and sturdy shoes are essential for hiking and exploring the park.
You can check the current weather conditions on the National Weather Service website (weather.gov) or the National Park Service website (nps.gov/romo). You can also use the links above to various areas around RMNP.
Weather-related safety concerns include altitude sickness, sunburn, dehydration, and lightning during thunderstorms. Be prepared by staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and seeking shelter during storms.
Wildflowers typically bloom in the park from late June to early August, depending on elevation and weather conditions.
Yes, you can visit the park during the winter months, but be prepared for cold temperatures, snow, and limited access to some trails and roads. Winter activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular during this season.
There isn’t a single “best” month to visit the Rocky Mountains, as the ideal time to visit depends on your preferences and planned activities. However, some general suggestions can be made:
For outdoor enthusiasts and hikers who prefer warmer temperatures, wildflowers, and access to most trails, June through September is the ideal time. July and August tend to be the warmest and most popular months, with pleasant daytime temperatures and minimal snow at higher elevations.
If you prefer fewer crowds and slightly cooler weather, late May, early June, or September and October may be more suitable. During these shoulder seasons, you may experience cooler temperatures and occasional snowfall at higher elevations, but there will be fewer visitors and more opportunities for solitude.
For winter sports enthusiasts, such as skiers and snowshoers, the best time to visit is from December to March, when snowfall is abundant and winter sports facilities are in full operation. Keep in mind that some roads and trails may be closed or difficult to access during this time due to snow and ice.
Ultimately, the best month to visit the Rocky Mountains depends on your desired activities and personal preferences for weather and crowds.
