Rocky Mountain Weather: Forecast and Month-by-Month Averages
Live forecasts from the National Weather Service. Monthly averages are NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals. Check the NPS alerts page for road and trail closures.
In shortRocky Mountain National Park spans roughly 7,500 ft at the Estes Park entrances to 12,183 ft on Trail Ridge Road (and higher peaks), so conditions change sharply with elevation. The table is for Estes Park (about 7,700 ft) on the drier east side: mild summer days in the 70s-80s°F, cool nights, and cold, often windy winters with moderate snowfall. The high country and the west side (Grand Lake) are colder and snowier, and summer afternoons bring frequent thunderstorms.
Rocky Mountain forecast by area
Weather changes a lot with elevation here, so check the forecast for where you are actually going. Each forecast covers the National Weather Service grid square around that spot.
Estes Park / Beaver Meadows Visitor Center 7,840 ft
Where the monthly table applies; east-side valleys get relatively little deep snow in winter.
The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for Estes Park / Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.
Bear Lake 9,475 ft
About 1,700 ft above Estes Park: cooler, trails often snow-covered into June; road open year-round.
The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for Bear Lake.
Alpine Visitor Center (Trail Ridge Road) 11,796 ft
Alpine tundra nearly 4,000 ft above Estes Park; much colder and windier, snow possible even in July; reachable only when Trail Ridge Road is open.
The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for Alpine Visitor Center (Trail Ridge Road).
Grand Lake / Kawuneeche Visitor Center 8,720 ft
West side of the Continental Divide: wetter (about 20 in/yr vs 13 in at Estes Park per NPS), more snow, less wind.
The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for Grand Lake / Kawuneeche Visitor Center.
Average weather in Rocky Mountain by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precipitation | Snowfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 37°F | 16°F | 0.8 in | 9.8 in |
| February | 38°F | 16°F | 0.7 in | 13.3 in |
| March | 45°F | 21°F | 1.6 in | 18.8 in |
| April | 52°F | 26°F | 2.3 in | 19.3 in |
| May | 61°F | 35°F | 2.3 in | 9.5 in |
| June | 74°F | 43°F | 1.4 in | 0.0 in |
| July | 80°F | 48°F | 2.5 in | 0.0 in |
| August | 78°F | 46°F | 1.7 in | 0.0 in |
| September | 70°F | 39°F | 1.6 in | 0.5 in |
| October | 57°F | 30°F | 1.1 in | 9.1 in |
| November | 44°F | 24°F | 0.7 in | 11.0 in |
| December | 36°F | 16°F | 0.7 in | 12.7 in |
These are long-term averages at one station. Higher areas of the park are colder, and any single year can be much warmer, colder, wetter or drier.
Rocky Mountain weather month by month
Rocky Mountain in January
37°F / 16°F. Cold (highs upper 30s°F at Estes Park) with arctic, windy conditions and deep snow up high. Trail Ridge Road is closed; Bear Lake Road stays open but can be snowy or icy. Good month for snowshoeing.
Rocky Mountain in February
38°F / 16°F. Still mid-winter; one of the snowier months at Estes Park. Snowshoeing and skiing are at their best January through March.
Rocky Mountain in March
45°F / 21°F. Typically the start of the snowiest stretch at Estes Park (about 19 in in both March and April). Expect quickly changing conditions and possible traction-control rules on park roads.
Rocky Mountain in April
52°F / 26°F. Spring reaches the lower montane zone late in the month, but heavy wet snowstorms are common. Trail Ridge Road remains closed.
Rocky Mountain in May
61°F / 35°F. Alternates warm and cold, wet and dry; snow is still possible. Trail Ridge Road usually opens in late May, though high trails stay snow-covered.
Rocky Mountain in June
74°F / 43°F. Warm days (mid-70s°F at Estes Park) with subalpine areas still holding snow early in the month. Afternoon thunderstorms begin to build.
Rocky Mountain in July
80°F / 48°F. Warmest month (around 80°F at Estes Park, nights in the upper 40s). Afternoon thunderstorms and wind are routine; start high hikes early. Old Fall River Road usually opens early July; tundra wildflowers peak late June to early August.
Rocky Mountain in August
78°F / 46°F. Similar to July with frequent afternoon storms. Temperatures can drop 10-20°F quickly when storms arrive, especially above treeline.
Rocky Mountain in September
70°F / 39°F. Generally clear, crisp, and dry, though an early snowstorm is possible. Aspens start turning mid-September and the elk rut runs September into October, so weekends are busy.
Rocky Mountain in October
57°F / 30°F. Cooler (upper 50s°F days, around 30°F nights) with the first real snows. Old Fall River Road closes to vehicles in early October and Trail Ridge Road usually closes for the season by mid-October.
Rocky Mountain in November
44°F / 24°F. Winter sets in; Trail Ridge Road is closed through the Divide. Lower east-side areas are often dry and windy rather than deeply snowy.
Rocky Mountain in December
36°F / 16°F. Cold and windy, with highs in the mid-30s°F at Estes Park and blizzards possible in the high country. Bear Lake Road stays open, conditions permitting.
Weather hazards to plan for
- Afternoon lightning on Trail Ridge Road, the tundra, and exposed summits, mainly June-August; be below treeline by early afternoon.
- Sudden temperature drops of 10-20°F and snow at high elevations even in July.
- Strong winds and blizzards above treeline in winter, with arctic wind chills.
- Snow and ice on roads and trails from fall through late spring; traction-control rules can take effect on park roads.
- Altitude: trailheads sit at 7,500-11,800 ft, so dehydration and altitude illness are common in visitors coming from low elevations.
Rocky Mountain weather questions
What is the weather like in Rocky Mountain National Park in October?
At Estes Park, October averages highs near 57°F and lows near 30°F, with about 9 inches of snow in a typical month. Trail Ridge Road usually closes for the winter by mid-October, so the high country may not be reachable by car.
Does it snow in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Yes. Estes Park averages roughly 104 inches of snow a year, mostly October through May, with March and April the snowiest months. Higher areas like Bear Lake and Trail Ridge Road can see snow even in July.
When is thunderstorm season in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Afternoon thunderstorms are a normal pattern in summer, especially July and August. Plan to finish exposed hikes and tundra stops before early afternoon.
How cold does it get at night in summer?
At Estes Park, July and August nights average in the mid-to-upper 40s°F. It is considerably colder at higher elevations such as the Alpine Visitor Center.
What is the best month for weather in Rocky Mountain National Park?
July through September has the warmest, most reliable weather and full road access, with September usually clearer and drier. Expect afternoon storms in July and August.