Aspen's problem is altitude. The town sits at about 2,400 m, so the sun is strong, the air is dry and nights get very cold, even when days feel mild. Pack sun protection, moisturizer and a water bottle along with your layers.
Aspen weather by month
Daily high and low (°F), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 30°F-1°C | 37°F3°C | 43°F6°C | 52°F11°C | 63°F17°C | 73°F23°C | 81°F27°C | 79°F26°C | 72°F22°C | 61°F16°C | 41°F5°C | 34°F1°C |
| Low | 9°F-13°C | 14°F-10°C | 21°F-6°C | 27°F-3°C | 36°F2°C | 45°F7°C | 48°F9°C | 50°F10°C | 41°F5°C | 32°F0°C | 18°F-8°C | 12°F-11°C |
| Rain days | 10 | 10 | 13 | 9 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryCold, sunny and dry. January averages a 30°F (-1°C) high and 9°F (-13°C) low, December 34°F (1°C) and 12°F (-11°C), and February 37°F (3°C) and 14°F (-10°C), with 9–10 snow or rain days a month. Pack ski layers, an insulated jacket, a warm hat, gloves, goggles, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen.
Spring
March–MayBig snow, then mud. March is the wettest month, with 13 rain days, a 43°F (6°C) high and 21°F (-6°C) low. April averages 52°F (11°C) and 27°F (-3°C), and May 63°F (17°C) and 36°F (2°C). Spring skiing is sunny and slushy. Bring layers, waterproof boots and strong sun protection.
Summer
June–AugustWarm days, cool nights. July averages a 81°F (27°C) high and 48°F (9°C) low with only 6 rain days, but afternoon thunderstorms are common. August has 79°F (26°C) and 50°F (10°C). Pack hiking shoes, a rain shell, a fleece for evenings and a water bottle.
Autumn
September–NovemberGold aspens, then early winter. September averages 72°F (22°C) and 41°F (5°C), October 61°F (16°C) and 32°F (0°C), and November 41°F (5°C) and 18°F (-8°C). Pack a warm jacket and layers; nights drop below freezing from October.
What to bring to Aspen
0 of 24 packed- Hydro Flask 32 oz Travel Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
A large bottle keeps you drinking water in Aspen's dry air at about 2,400 m.
A shell blocks wind on the lifts and summer afternoon storms on the trail.
The women's version of the same shell, for lift wind and summer storms.
- CALACH XL Compression Packing Cubes 2-PackBags & Luggage
Compression cubes fit ski layers and fleeces into one bag.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Cold at 9°F (-13°C) drains phone batteries, so keep a power bank in an inside pocket.
- A warm wrapClothing
A warm wrap is an easy extra layer on cold winter evenings in town.
- Peak Design Capture Clip V3Camera & Photo
A camera clip keeps your camera handy on summer hikes like the Maroon Bells.
Clothing
- Thermal base layers · 2 setsWinter ski days at about 2,400 m
- Insulated mid layer · 1
- Ski pants · 1 pairDec–Mar
- Warm hat and gloves · 1 set
- Wool socks · 4 pairs
- Light hiking clothes · 3 setsJun–Sep trail season
- Sun hat · 1
Footwear
- Insulated winter boots · 1 pairFor snowy town streets in winter
- Hiking shoes · 1 pairSummer trails
Gear
- Small daypack · 1
- Sunglasses or goggles · 1
Health and toiletries
- High SPF sunscreenStrong sun at altitude
- Lip balm with SPF
- Rich moisturizerAir is very dry
Documents and money
- ID or passport
- Travel insuranceCovers ski and mountain injuries
Tech
- Phone charger and cable
What shoes should you pack for Aspen?
Insulated waterproof boots with good tread in winter, since town sidewalks ice over. In summer, hiking shoes for the Maroon Bells and other trails, plus sneakers for town.
What do people wear in Aspen?
Ski gear by day, and upscale casual at night. Aspen is more dressed up than most ski towns: a nice sweater, dark jeans and good boots are normal at dinner. Nobody needs a suit.
How do you deal with Aspen's altitude?
Drink more water than usual, go easy on alcohol the first day or two, and take it slow. At about 2,400 m, many visitors feel short of breath or get headaches at first. The air is dry, so pack lip balm and moisturizer, and wear sunscreen even in winter.
What plugs does Aspen use?
The US uses Type A and B sockets at 120V. US plugs fit. UK, EU and Australian visitors need an adapter, and should check chargers handle 120V (most phone and laptop chargers do).
Tours and things to do in Aspen
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Aspen.
What should you leave at home for Aspen?
Cotton ski layers, heels and fashion boots. Cotton gets cold when you sweat, and smooth soles slip on icy sidewalks.
Packing for Aspen: questions people ask
What should I wear in Aspen in January?
Warm ski layers and insulated boots. January averages a 30°F (-1°C) high, a 9°F (-13°C) low and 10 days of snow.
How high is Aspen?
About 2,400 m. Drink water, take it slowly at first and wear sunscreen.
Do people dress up in Aspen?
More than in most ski towns. Upscale casual is normal at dinner, but no one needs formalwear.
Do I need sunscreen in Aspen in winter?
Yes. UV is stronger at altitude and snow reflects it.
What should I wear in Aspen in July?
Light layers, a rain shell and a fleece. July averages a 81°F (27°C) high, a 48°F (9°C) low and 6 rain days.
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