The climate of Aspen
Aspen, a popular town located in
Colorado, USA, descends under the Köppen climate classification Dfc indicating a Subarctic climate zone. This climate is characterized by severe winters, a non-existent dry season and cool summers. On average, temperatures fluctuate significantly from 2.1°F (-16.6°C) recorded as the lowest in winter to a high of 69.4°F (20.8°C) in summer months.
Annual rainfall averages from 0.2" (5mm) to 0.51" (13mm), with
July usually being the wettest month. The town sees snowfall too, varying anywhere between 0" (0mm) in the warmer months to nearly 4" (102mm) in the colder months of winter. Aspen experiences distinct seasonal changes, with relative humidity changing from 51% during the driest month to 90% during the wettest period. Average daylight hours range from 9.5 hours in
December to a high of 14.9 hours in
June, while the sunshine is plenty in the town, the year-round average ranging from 5.2 hours in the least sunny to 11.8 hours in the most sunny months.
It is worth noting that Aspen's climate also manifests in rather interesting ways. The highest wind speeds are typically seen in June with 7.1mph (11.4km/h), and the highest gust speeds of 9.1mph (14.6km/h) are also noticed in the same month.
The best time to visit Aspen
Summer, starting from
June up to
August, emerges as the ideal time to plan a visit to
Aspen. During these months, the weather settles around a comfortable high of around 69.4°F (20.8°C), and drops to a cool 40.5°F (4.7°C) at night, making it a perfect time for outdoor activities. In addition, it is relatively drier with the lowest relative humidity of 51% in June.
Brace yourselves for the longest daylight hours from 14.3 hours in
May to 14.9 hours in June. This means that there are more sunlit hours to explore the town. June is also the month boasting the highest wind speeds, offering a refreshing respite from the summer warmth.
The worst time to visit Aspen
Contrastingly, the coldest months from
December to
February might not be the best time to visit
Aspen unless one enjoys severely cold weather. During this period, temperatures drop significantly to as low as 2.1°F (-16.6°C) and do not exceed 32°F (0°C). Despite the cold, these months record the maximum snowfall ranging from 2.32" (59mm) and 2.13" (54mm) in December and
January respectively. It is also worth noting that daylight hours during these months are the shortest ranging from 9.5 hours in December to 10.8 hours in February.
Spring weather in Aspen
Spring in
Aspen is characterized by slowly rising temperatures ranging from highs of 32°F (0°C) to reach 49.6°F (9.8°C) by the end of the season. Lows during this season range from 11.1°F (-11.6°C) to 24.8°F (-4°C). Although a wet season, rain remains relatively low with an average of 0.35" (9mm) and reaches up to 0.43" (11mm) by
May. Snow continues to fall during early spring with 3.98" (101mm) in
March and reduces to 1.97" (50mm) by
April.
Summer weather in Aspen
Summer in
Aspen is marked by pleasant weather with temperatures swinging between highs of 64.9°F (18.3°C) to 69.4°F (20.8°C) and lows of 35.4°F (1.9°C) to 40.5°F (4.7°C). This is also the drier part of the year with rainfall averages of 0.43" (11mm) from
June to
August. Snowfall is almost non-existent in summer. Sunshine is abundant with 11.8 hours of it in June, providing ample daylight for sightseeing.
Autumn Weather in Aspen
Autumn in
Aspen is marked by a distinct drop in temperatures, with highs falling from 61°F (16.1°C) in
September to 34.5°F (1.4°C) in
November. Autumn nights can get quite chilly, with temperatures dropping to 34.5°F (1.4°C) in September and reaching as low as 13.3°F (-10.4°C) by November. Rainfall experiences a slight increase in September with 0.31" (8mm) before it falls to 0.24" (6mm) in November.
Winter weather in Aspen
Winter weather in
Aspen is severe and harsh, with temperatures as low as 2.1°F (-16.6°C) in
January. The highest temperature in winter does not exceed a frigid 32°F (0°C). Snowfall increases rapidly during this season from 1.81" (46mm) in
October to its peak of 2.32" (59mm) in
December. Winter days are short with daylight hours hedging between 9.5 and 10.8 hours. The season, however, is adored by winter sports enthusiasts for its snow-clad landscapes and ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding.
Weather in January
January marks the onset of a frosty and white winter in
Aspen,
Colorado. It is colder than
December with average low temperatures plunging to 2.1°F (-16.6°C) and daylight hours lasting a mere 9.8 hours. Snowfall is frequent, bolstering Aspen's reputation as a winter wonderland with 2.13" (54mm) of snow falling over 10.4 days.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February is another frigid month in
Aspen with a slight temperature rise compared to
January. Its weather conditions are conducive to snow sports, making it ideal for ski adventures. Accumulating 2.91" (74mm), snowfall continues to blanket Aspen during February.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Winter persists into
March, though
Aspen experiences a considerable rise in temperature when compared to
February. The city witnesses relatively more rainfall, accounting for over half an inch on average. With more sunshine hours and less snowfall, the conditions become a welcoming change for inhabitants and visitors.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April registers further improvement in weather, harbinger of the approaching spring in
Aspen. Daylight hours increase significantly offering inhabitants more time to relish in outdoor activities. The city records an increase in both the lowest and highest average temperatures.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May is a transitional month from chilly spring towards the dawning summer in
Aspen. Days further elongate enabling residents to soak in warmth, vibrant colors and the fresher atmosphere. With the average high temperature reaching 49.6°F (9.8°C), outdoor activities are favorable.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June, marking the onset of summer, brings a surge in temperature and daylight hours in
Aspen. The pleasant weather and extended daylight hours are well-suited for outdoor recreation. It's the driest period of the year with the relative humidity dropping to 51%.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the warmest month with an average high temperature of a balmy 69.4°F (20.8°C). Clothing lightens further as
Aspen basks in the height of summer. Despite the warmth, there is considerable rainfall totaling to 0.51" (13mm). The city averages 14.6 hours of daylight, which are bright and sunny for a majority of the day.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August maintains the sizzling temperatures from
July in
Aspen, becoming a prime summer month. The average high temperature sustains at 67.3°F (19.6°C), resulting in balmy days and mild nights. Cloud cover is slightly lesser than July leading to brighter days with abundant hour of sunshine.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings the beginning of autumn to
Aspen along with a decline in temperature. The fading summer heat and longer nights bid farewell to the balmy summer and welcome the fresh autumn. The city receives an average of 0.2" (5mm) of rainfall over 5.5 days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in a colder autumn with a noticeable drop in temperature in
Aspen. As the color of leaves turn, Aspen's outstanding beauty demands visitor appreciation. Slight increases in cloud cover result in a dramatic drop in visibility.
Weather in October » Weather in November
By
November, winter is setting its foot in
Aspen, marking shorter days and snow showers. Transitioning into the frosty season, the average high temperature tumbles to 34.5°F (1.4°C). The first significant snowfalls of winter are observed during November, paving the way for the full-blown winter to follow.
Weather in November »Weather in December
In
December,
Aspen is fully engrossed in winter with shorter days and colder temperatures. Ski season is in full swing as 2.32" (59mm) of snow dresses the landscape in a blanket of pure white. It's the heart of winter, with the city's maximum temperature barely exceeding the freezing point.
Weather in December »