Boulder in November
Good time to visit
November transitions Boulder from fall hiking season to winter quiet. The shoulder season pricing and smaller crowds appeal to budget travelers who don't mind bundling up.
Weather
November brings Boulder's first consistent cold with occasional snow flurries that rarely stick. The dry air continues with brilliant sunshine between gray storm days. Temperatures drop steadily through the month.
13°C high-3°C low3 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$140/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Holiday lighting begins
- •CU Boulder basketball season starts
November Tips
- •Hotel rates drop 30% from peak season
- •Mountain trail access becomes limited above 9,000 feet
- •Restaurant reservations easier to get on weekends
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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