August Is One of Those Months Where Colorado Springs Really Shows Off
I’ve lived in Colorado Springs for over 20 years. Before I settled here, I worked for Delta Air Lines and visited cities all over the country. I chose Colorado Springs over every single one of them — and August is one of the reasons why.
We get 300+ sunny days per year. In August, you get blazing blue mornings, dramatic afternoon thunderstorms, and some of the most incredible sunsets you’ll ever see. The evenings cool down to light-jacket weather. It’s one of the best months to visit — if you know how to work with the weather and the crowds.
August Weather in Colorado Springs — What to Actually Expect
August weather here follows a predictable pattern once you understand it:
- Daytime highs: Mid-80s to low 90s. Rarely hits 95, and the low humidity means it doesn’t feel as brutal as lower-elevation cities.
- Morning temps: 55–65°F. Cool and crisp — perfect for hiking or coffee on the patio.
- Evening temps: Upper 50s to mid-60s. You’ll want a layer.
- Humidity: Low most of the day. This is high desert at 6,035 feet.
- Afternoon thunderstorms: Monsoon season. Almost daily, storms roll through between 2–5 PM — intense but short. Heavy rain, thunder, sometimes hail, then blue skies by dinner.
- Sun intensity: At 6,035 feet, UV rays are roughly 25% stronger than at sea level. You will burn faster than you expect. Sunscreen isn’t optional.
- Sunsets: Monsoon clouds create the most spectacular sunsets of the year. Oranges, pinks, purples — almost every evening.
The rhythm: gorgeous mornings, warm midday, afternoon storms, perfect evenings. Plan around it and you’ll love every minute.
What to Do in Colorado Springs in August
The key is timing — outdoor adventures in the morning, indoor stuff during afternoon storms, evenings when it cools down.
1. Hike Early in the Morning
Non-negotiable. Start hikes by 6:30 or 7:00 AM — cooler, less crowded, done before storms. My favorites:
- Incline Trail — The famous Manitou Incline is 2,744 steps straight up. It’s a beast, but the views from the top are incredible. Get there at sunrise before the crowds show up.
- Section 16 / Palmer Loop — West side of town with great views of the city. Moderate difficulty, perfect for a morning workout.
- North Cheyenne Canon Park — Shaded canyon trails that stay cooler in the heat. The Columbine Trail is a local favorite.
- Red Rock Canyon Open Space — Same stunning red rock as Garden of the Gods, a fraction of the tourists. Locals know this is the real gem.
2. Garden of the Gods at Sunrise
Free, open year-round, and absolutely worth visiting — but parking lots fill by 9 AM on August weekends. Go at sunrise. The golden light on the red rocks is unreal, and you’ll have the trails to yourself. The Central Garden Trail is paved and easy; the Siamese Twins Trail has one of the best photo spots in Colorado.
3. E-Bike the Trail System
E-biking has exploded here. The trail system is massive, and an e-bike lets you cover serious ground without exhausting yourself at altitude. Rental shops in Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City offer hourly and daily rentals.
4. Cool Off with Water Activities
By midday in August, you’ll want to cool off. Some great options:
- Eleven Mile Reservoir — About 45 minutes west. Kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing with mountain views.
- Manitou Springs Pool — A great public pool right in the heart of Manitou Springs.
- Rafting on the Arkansas River — Several outfitters run half-day and full-day trips from nearby Canon City. August water levels are great for rafting, and the Royal Gorge section is world-class.
5. Explore Manitou Springs
This quirky mountain town at the base of Pikes Peak is packed with art galleries, independent shops, and character. Try the free-flowing mineral springs downtown, check out the Penny Arcade, and grab lunch on the main strip.
6. Indoor Activities for Afternoon Storm Hours
When storms roll in around 2 PM, head indoors:
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo — One of the best zoos in the country, and the only mountain zoo in the US. Giraffe feeding is a must.
- U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center — Free tours where Team USA trains.
- Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum — Free admission, great local history.
- Local breweries — Bristol Brewing, Cerberus Brewing, and Atrevida Beer are all solid storm-hour spots.
7. Drive Pikes Peak Highway
Drive or ride the Cog Railway to the summit of 14,115-foot Pikes Peak — a true bucket-list experience. In August, the road is fully open. Go early for the clearest views and to avoid summit storms. The new Summit Visitor Center has famous hot donuts. Just take it easy at the top — the altitude hits harder than you’d expect.
8. Evening Dining and Sunset Watching
After the storms clear, August evenings are perfect. Temperatures drop into the 60s, the air smells fresh, and those monsoon sunsets light up the sky. Grab a patio table at The Broadmoor, catch sunset from the Garden of the Gods Trading Post, or find any west-facing patio downtown. You can’t go wrong.
9. Day Trip to Royal Gorge
About 45 minutes south, the Royal Gorge Bridge sits 956 feet above the Arkansas River — one of the highest suspension bridges in the world. Ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad along the canyon floor or zip line across the gorge.
10. Stargazing
Clear skies after the afternoon storms make August nights incredible for stargazing. Head west toward Woodland Park or Mueller State Park for sharp, clear views of the Milky Way away from city lights.
August Events in Colorado Springs
August and early September bring some of the biggest events of the year to Colorado Springs. Here are the ones to know about:
Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off (Balloon Classic)
This is one of the signature events of the year. Held over Labor Day weekend at Memorial Park, the Balloon Classic features dozens of hot air balloons launching at sunrise against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. There’s also a balloon glow event on Saturday evening where the balloons light up after dark. It’s free to attend and absolutely worth waking up early for. Note: Labor Day sometimes falls in late August, sometimes early September — check 2026 dates when planning your trip.
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
The “Race to the Clouds” is the second-oldest motorsport race in America. Cars, motorcycles, and trucks race 12.42 miles up Pikes Peak to the summit. It’s typically held in late June, but if you’re a motorsport fan, check the schedule for related events that may extend into summer.
Concerts and Live Music
The Pikes Peak Center and Broadmoor World Arena host national acts all month. Downtown, Lulu’s Downstairs and Stargazers Theatre have live music almost nightly. Check local event calendars for lineups.
Colorado State Fair
In nearby Pueblo (40 minutes south), the Colorado State Fair runs late August into Labor Day weekend. Concerts, livestock shows, carnival rides, rodeo, and all the fair food you can handle.
Farmers Markets
August is peak harvest season, and the farmers markets are overflowing. The Colorado Springs Downtown Farmers Market runs every Tuesday morning at Acacia Park, and the Old Colorado City Farmers Market is on Saturdays. Peaches from the Western Slope, Pueblo green chiles, fresh produce — August is the month for local food.
Art Walks and Gallery Events
The First Friday Art Walk downtown features galleries open late, live music, and a great vibe. Old Colorado City has its own art walk events too.
Beating the Crowds in August
August is peak tourist season. Garden of the Gods gets over 5 million visitors a year, and summer is the busiest stretch. Here’s how I handle it:
Go Early
Popular spots are noticeably less crowded before 8 AM. Some of my best mornings have been at Garden of the Gods at 6:30 AM — just me and a few other locals watching sunrise light up the rocks.
Visit on Weekdays
If your schedule allows it, do the big-ticket attractions on a Tuesday or Wednesday instead of Saturday. The difference is dramatic. Weekday mornings at popular spots feel almost peaceful compared to weekend madness.
Explore the West Side
Most tourists cluster around Garden of the Gods and The Broadmoor. The west side has incredible spots that don’t make the tourist lists: Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Section 16, and North Cheyenne Canon Park — same geology, a fraction of the crowds.
Skip Midday at the Icons
Garden of the Gods at noon on a Saturday in August? You’ll spend more time looking for parking than looking at rocks. Do the popular spots early or late, spend midday at lesser-known spots or indoors.
Get Off the Main Paths
At Garden of the Gods, most visitors stay on the main road and paved Central Garden Trail. Hike even 10 minutes off the main trail and you’ll have stunning views with almost no people. The further you walk from the parking lot, the fewer people you’ll see.
What to Pack for August in Colorado Springs
Here’s what I’d tell any friend coming to visit:
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+): At 6,035 feet, UV is about 25% stronger than sea level. You will burn faster than you think. Reapply often.
- Sunglasses and a hat: Good UV-blocking sunglasses and a brimmed hat make a real difference.
- Light layers: Mornings in the 50s, afternoons near 90, evenings back to the 60s. A hoodie or light jacket is essential.
- Rain jacket: Afternoon storms are almost guaranteed. A packable rain layer will save you at 3 PM.
- Water bottle (a big one): The altitude and dry air dehydrate you fast. At least a liter for any hike.
- Good hiking shoes or trail runners: Rocky terrain and slick post-rain trails mean proper footwear matters.
- Lip balm with SPF: The dry air will chap your lips fast. You’ll thank me.
- Light, breathable clothing: Moisture-wicking fabrics are best for hiking. Light colors reflect the sun.
August in Colorado Springs — One of the Best Months to Visit
After two decades here, August is genuinely one of the best times to visit. The mornings are perfect, the outdoor options are endless, and those monsoon sunsets will stay with you long after you leave.
Work with the weather instead of against it — start early, duck inside for afternoon storms, head back out for gorgeous evenings. That’s how we locals do it, and it works every time. Come see for yourself.
Planning more of your trip? Check out our guides to Garden of the Gods, the best hiking trails in Colorado Springs, day trips from Colorado Springs, and e-biking the local trails.
About the Author: Dominic Ferrara has lived in Colorado Springs for over 20 years. After working for Delta Airlines and visiting just about every major city in the United States, he chose Colorado Springs for its scenery, sunshine, and outdoor lifestyle. He lives on the west side near Ute Valley Park, where he e-bikes, camps, and explores the mountains regularly. His recommendations come from two decades of eating, hiking, and living here — not from a weekend visit.
