Boulder in January
Not the best time
January's your cheapest Boulder month but outdoor activities shrink to lower elevation hikes. The Film Festival brings some energy to an otherwise quiet season.
Weather
January brings Boulder's coldest temperatures with dry, crisp air and frequent sunshine. Snow falls regularly but melts quickly on south-facing slopes. The famous Chinook winds can push temperatures up 20 degrees in hours.
7°C high-8°C low3 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$120/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Boulder International Film Festival
January Tips
- •Pack layers for wild temperature swings when Chinook winds hit
- •Hotel rates drop 40% from summer peaks
- •Many hiking trails above 8,000 feet stay snow-covered
All Months
May through October offers Boulder's best weather, with July and August bringing afternoon thunderstorms that clear quickly. Spring arrives late here – April can still see snow, but wildflowers bloom through June. Summer temperatures hit the 80s during the day and drop to the 50s at night. Perfect hiking weather, but book accommodations early as this is peak season. Fall delivers Boulder's most spectacular scenery. Aspen trees turn gold in the surrounding mountains, and September offers warm days with cool nights. October brings the first snow to high peaks but valley hiking remains excellent. Winter transforms Boulder into a different city. The town gets about 90 inches of snow annually, but sunny days melt it quickly on south-facing slopes. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing replace hiking, and hotel rates drop significantly. January through March see temperatures ranging from 20-50°F. Spring skiing at nearby resorts runs through April. Avoid major CU football weekends in fall when hotel prices triple and restaurants require reservations weeks in advance.
Boulder Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
6/10
Families
7/10
Adventure
9/10
Budget
6/10
Luxury
5/10
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