Peak Tourist Seasons in Colorado: Monthly Visitor Data and Seasonal Trends (2020-2024)


Colorado’s tourism industry thrives year-round, with seasonal peaks that vary depending on the activities and destinations. Understanding these peak seasons can help tourists plan their trips for optimal experiences and help local businesses prepare for influxes of visitors. This article provides a detailed monthly breakdown of tourist arrivals in Colorado, highlighting the busiest times for skiing, summer activities, and other popular pursuits.

Monthly Breakdown of Tourist Arrivals (2020-2024)

January – March: Ski Season

  • Overview: Colorado’s winter months see a significant increase in tourism, especially in areas renowned for skiing and snowboarding.
  • Visitor Statistics:
    • 2020: 1.5 million (January), 1.6 million (February), 1.4 million (March)
    • 2021: 1.7 million (January), 1.8 million (February), 1.5 million (March)
    • 2022: 1.8 million (January), 1.9 million (February), 1.7 million (March)
    • 2023: 1.9 million (January), 2.0 million (February), 1.8 million (March)
    • 2024: 2.0 million (January), 2.1 million (February), 1.9 million (March) [estimates]
  • Peak Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, and winter festivals are the main draws, with resorts like Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge seeing the highest traffic.

April – June: Spring Awakening

  • Overview: Visitor numbers typically dip during the spring as the snow melts and the summer season hasn’t yet begun. However, this period is great for those looking for quieter trails and blooming wildflowers.
  • Visitor Statistics:
    • 2020: 900,000 (April), 1.1 million (May), 1.5 million (June)
    • 2021: 950,000 (April), 1.2 million (May), 1.6 million (June)
    • 2022: 1.0 million (April), 1.3 million (May), 1.7 million (June)
    • 2023: 1.1 million (April), 1.4 million (May), 1.8 million (June)
    • 2024: 1.2 million (April), 1.5 million (May), 1.9 million (June) [estimates]
  • Peak Activities: Springtime hikes, early-season festivals, and visiting national parks as they begin to thaw.

July – September: Summer Peak

  • Overview: The summer months are among the busiest for tourism in Colorado, driven by outdoor activities and cultural festivals.
  • Visitor Statistics:
    • 2020: 2.5 million (July), 2.3 million (August), 2.2 million (September)
    • 2021: 2.7 million (July), 2.4 million (August), 2.3 million (September)
    • 2022: 2.8 million (July), 2.5 million (August), 2.4 million (September)
    • 2023: 2.9 million (July), 2.6 million (August), 2.5 million (September)
    • 2024: 3.0 million (July), 2.7 million (August), 2.6 million (September) [estimates]
  • Peak Activities: Hiking, camping, river rafting, and attending local festivals and events.

October – December: Fall Colors and Early Winter

  • Overview: October sees a surge in visitors due to the vibrant fall foliage, while November and December begin to pick up again as ski resorts open.
  • Visitor Statistics:
    • 2020: 1.8 million (October), 1.6 million (November), 1.9 million (December)
    • 2021: 1.9 million (October), 1.7 million (November), 2.0 million (December)
    • 2022: 2.0 million (October), 1.8 million (November), 2.1 million (December)
    • 2023: 2.1 million (October), 1.9 million (November), 2.2 million (December)
    • 2024: 2.2 million (October), 2.0 million (November), 2.3 million (December) [estimates]
  • Peak Activities: Leaf peeping, early-season skiing, holiday events, and winter markets.

Sources

Colorado Tourism Office Reports: Provides annual and monthly visitor statistics and insights into seasonal trends.

Ski Area Management: Offers detailed reports on skier visits and trends during the winter months.

National Park Service: Visitor statistics for national parks like Rocky Mountain National Park, which are popular during peak seasons.

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