The climate of Estes Park
Specifically located in the state of
Colorado, USA,
Estes Park lies under the Köppen climate classification of Dfc. This classification indicates a subarctic climate characterized by a distinct cool summer and a severe winter with no defined dry season. As observed with the weather data, Estes Park experience a drastic fluctuation in temperatures, and other weather constituents across different seasons, which paints a vivid weather picture throughout the year.
Notably, temperatures in Estes Park oscillate from a cool low of 12.6°F (-10.8°C) in the coldest months of the winter, up to a mildly warm high of 72.5°F (22.5°C) in the peak summer months. The town also witnesses a significant swing in humidity levels, ranging from a low of 50% in the dry summer months up to 78% during the damp winter season. Additionally, rainfall also varies from 1.06" (27mm) in drier months to a maximum of 4.02" (102mm), predominantly in the Spring.
Interestingly, Estes Park also sees a considerable amount of snowfall, reaching up to 21.3" (541mm) in the spring, but absent during the warm months. Coupled with a significant change in daylight hours across the year, from a minimum of 9.3 hours in winter to a maximum of 15 hours in summer, Estes Park exhibits a dynamic weather pattern. Coupled with variable wind speed, cloud coverage, UV index, and visibility across the year, Estes Park's climate offers a unique blend of conditions.
The best time to visit Estes Park
Taking into consideration the various weather elements across the span of the year, the months from
June to
September appears to be most favorable for a visit to
Estes Park. During this period, the average high temperatures hover around a comfortable 68.5°F (20.3°C) to 72.5°F (22.5°C), making sightseeing pleasant and enjoyable. These months also witness a relative decline in precipitation, with rainfall varying from 1.81" (46mm) to 2.76" (70mm), making outdoor activities less likely to be disrupted by showers.
Simultaneously, the number of hours of daylight reaches its peak during these months, providing ample time for visitors to explore. Given the favorable daylight hours, relatively low rainfall, and comfortable temperatures, visitors will find this period exceptionally welcoming for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Estes Park
The harsh winter months from
December to
February may not be the best time to visit
Estes Park due to severe weather conditions. The average low temperatures during these months can drop to as low as 12.6°F (-10.8°C), potentially making outdoor activities challenging. Additionally, these colder months see a surge in snowfall levels reaching up to 12.68" (322mm) in February, leading to icy conditions.
These months also observe reduced daylight hours, which may limit sightseeing and exploration possibilities. High precipitation, harsh cold, and less daylight make for unfavorable conditions for visiting Estes Park during these winter months.
Spring weather in Estes Park
Spring arrives in
Estes Park between
March and
May, characterized by a gradual increase in temperatures and daylight hours. Average temperatures during this season rise from 37.8°F (3.2°C) in March to 52.9°F (11.6°C) in May. While this period experiences the highest rainfall, the average monthly figures range from 2.2" (56mm) to 4.02" (102mm), it also sees a significant amount of snowfall, especially in March, when it can reach up to 17.68" (449mm).
Additionally, the changing season sees an increase in relative humidity from 71% in March to 66% in May. With varying daylight hours from 12 hours in March to 14.4 hours in May, spring in Estes Park brings a blend of warm and chilly weather conditions.
Summer weather in Estes Park
Between
June and
August,
Estes Park enjoys pleasant summer weather. Average high temperatures sit comfortably from 68.5°F (20.3°C) to 72.5°F (22.5°C). This period also marks a transition from a predominantly damp season to a drier stage, with average monthly rainfall figures oscillating between 1.81" (46mm) to 2.76" (70mm).
Relative humidity drops to its lowest levels, from 50% in June to 52% by August, indicating drier conditions. Simultaneously, daylight hours reach their peak, varying from 14.7 hours to 15 hours, allowing ample time for outdoor recreational activities.
Autumn weather in Estes Park
With the onset of
September to
November, Autumn brings a gradual decrease in temperature from 64.9°F (18.3°C) to 38.5°F (3.6°C), over these months. Rainfall levels during this period shrink further, oscillating between 1.3" (33mm) to 1.34" (34mm), while humidity levels begin to creep up from 51% to 64% indicating the arrival of wetter seasons.
Interestingly, as the winter season approaches, snowfall starts to reappear in November with an average value of 8.39" (213mm). As the winter season approaches, daylight hours also start to decline from 12.4 hours in September to 10 hours by November.
Winter weather in Estes Park
Winter in
Estes Park spans
December to
February and brings considerable climatic changes. Average low temperatures range from 12.6°F (-10.8°C) to 13.3°F (-10.4°C), indicating a stark drop in temperature. This period also marks the arrival of peak snowfall activity, with levels ranging from 8.31" (211mm) to 12.68" (322mm).
Contrastingly, rainfall during these months takes a backseat, with average values ranging from 1.02" (26mm) to 1.06" (27mm). Winter months also bring down the daylight hours to a low of 9.3 hours in December, enhancing the chilliness of the season. With the harshness of the winter chill and significant snowfall, Estes Park presents a white winter landscape in these months.
Weather in January
Weather in February
February brings a slight increment in temperature compared to
January. This is the month when
Estes Park witnesses the year's highest snowfall of approximately 12.68" (322mm), adding a serene white blanket to the landscape. As the snow builds up, possible outdoor activities shift towards winter sports.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March ushers in slight changes to the weather in comparison to
February. As winter slowly begins to retreat, the city continues to witness snowfall, although less intense. With increasing sunshine hours, this month offers an ideal blend of cooler temperature and sunlight.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April's weather in
Estes Park,
Colorado, is a mix of retreating cold and emerging warmth. Compared to
March, this month experiences a significant spike in rainfall with 3.03" (77mm). Making its mark as the start of the rainy season, April showers bring a surge in the region's flora.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Compared to
April,
May's weather witnesses an increase in temperature. At 4.02" (102mm), rainfall peaks this month, sparking a growth spurt in local flora and fauna. With the chilly touch of winter fading away,
Estes Park starts revealing its pleasantly warm and comfortable side.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June introduces distinctive changes in weather conditions in comparison to
May. This month marks a decline in rainfall, solidifying the summer-like weather in
Estes Park,
Colorado. June welcomes local and visiting hikers, offering them dry days and warm temperatures.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Estes Park,
Colorado, retains the warm weather of
June. Peak summer conditions set in, with warm afternoons and quite comfortable nights being a typical pattern for this month. July also sees rainfall, adding a refreshing touch to the summer's warmth.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August experiences a slight drop in temperature, yet retains the warmth of
July.
Estes Park receives a reasonable amount of rainfall, a bit less than that in July, but enough to keep the environment refreshed. The city experiences close to 13.7 hours of daylight, providing ample time for residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September indicates the departure of the summer warmth experienced in
August. In
Estes Park this month observes a decline in the day's length and a dip in temperature, setting the stage for the forthcoming autumn. As the weather cools down from summer highs, the city experiences its last glimpses of rainfall before the winter dry spell.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October presents noticeable transitions compared to
September. With the increase of fall foliage,
Estes Park positively glows in brilliant shades of gold, orange, and red. Nights start to become cooler, signaling the slowly approaching winter.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November's weather in
Estes Park,
Colorado, signals the onset of winter. The departure from
October's relatively warmer climate becomes obvious with a significant fall in temperature. Snow starts to descend once again, but the city continues to enjoy around 10 hours of daylight.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December seals the transition to winter, establishing itself as one of the coldest months. Compared to
November,
Estes Park,
Colorado experiences reduced daylight hours of around 9.3 hours. The town starts dressing up in a white veil of snow, resembling a classic winter postcard scenery.
Weather in December »