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Updated April 2026 | Everything happening in Colorado Springs this summer
Summer in Colorado Springs is the best time to visit — 300 days of sunshine, warm days, cool mountain evenings, and an event calendar packed with festivals, concerts, and outdoor activities. Here is your complete guide to making the most of summer 2026.
What Is the Weather Like in Colorado Springs in Summer?
Expect daytime highs of 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit with low humidity. Nights cool down to 55-65 degrees — perfect sleeping weather. Afternoon thunderstorms are common from mid-June through August, usually rolling in between 2-4 PM and clearing by dinner. Plan outdoor activities for the morning and you will rarely get rained on.
Best Summer Activities
Morning: Outdoor Adventures
- Garden of the Gods — go before 9 AM to beat crowds and heat
- Hiking — start by 7 AM to be off exposed trails before afternoon storms
- Whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River (45 min to Bighorn Sheep Canyon)
- Mountain biking at Palmer Park or Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Afternoon: Indoor Attractions (Beat the Heat and Storms)
- U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum — air conditioned and incredible
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo — mostly shaded and cooler at 6,800 feet
- Cave of the Winds — underground stays 54 degrees year-round
- Restaurant hopping in Old Colorado City or downtown
Evening: Outdoor Dining and Events
- Patio dining — almost every restaurant has outdoor seating in summer
- Concerts at the Broadmoor World Arena or Stargazers Theatre
- Sunset at Garden of the Gods (park stays open until 9 PM in summer)
- Memorial Park — evening walks along Monument Creek
What to Pack for a Summer Trip
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ — UV is 25% stronger at 6,000 feet
- Water bottle — stay hydrated, altitude dehydrates you faster
- Light layers — mornings can be cool (60s), afternoons warm (80s-90s)
- Rain jacket — afternoon thunderstorms are almost daily in July/August
- Comfortable walking shoes — most attractions involve walking on uneven terrain
Frequently Asked Questions
Is summer a good time to visit Colorado Springs?
Summer is the most popular time to visit and for good reason. The weather is warm and sunny, all attractions are open, and the event calendar is full. The tradeoff is bigger crowds at popular spots like Garden of the Gods. Go early in the morning to avoid the rush.
How hot does Colorado Springs get in summer?
Daytime highs reach 80-90 degrees but with very low humidity, so it feels comfortable compared to the same temperature in the Midwest or Southeast. Evenings cool to the 50s-60s, making outdoor dining perfect. It is nothing like a Denver or Phoenix summer.
Plan Your Summer Trip
Use our AI trip planner to build a custom summer itinerary. Select your interests and budget, and the AI creates a day-by-day plan optimized for summer weather patterns and crowd levels.
More guides: Budget Itinerary Under $200 | Family Activities | Day Trips
More From Springs Local Guide
- Colorado Springs Nightlife Guide
- The Broadmoor: Complete Guide
- Historical Sites to Visit
- Affordable Wedding Venues
- Hot Springs Near Colorado Springs
- Best Local Small Businesses
