Planning a summer getaway to the Rockies? Our Summer Travel Guide highlights the best of Vail Village experiences and everything you need to know, from popular activities in Vail, the best time to visit, and getting here to the weather, how to pack, and when to book. Whether you’re visiting for relaxation, adventure, or family fun, this guide will help you make the most of your trip to Colorado this summer.
Summer in Vail typically begins in June and ends in August, and depending on which month you visit, you can expect a different feel with varying crowds and events.
June brings fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures, sitting between the low to high 70s. If hiking at higher elevations is on your itinerary, keep in mind that some trails might still have melting snow, so be sure to bring waterproof or water-resistant hiking boots.
Things are in full swing in July, one of the busiest times of the year in Vail. With most excursions, activities, and Village stores fully operating and the events calendar booked, July is the month to visit if you’re looking for the full Vail experience. Daytime temperatures are also the warmest during this time, averaging between the mid-70s to the low-80s.
August is the second most popular summer month to visit, with warm daytime temperatures but slightly fewer crowds. Expect temperatures in the mid 70s and nights in the low 40s. Trails at all elevations have melted by now and a few of the summer’s top events land in the first couple weeks, including the Vail Wine Classic and Vail Dance Festival.
Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) is about 35 miles west of Vail Village and is considered a much easier drive. However, it doesn’t offer a lot of direct flights. Although being a little over 2 hours away from Vail, Denver International Airport (DEN), tends to be the best option for summer travel into Colorado, with many direct flights and cheaper airfare.
Once you book your flights, be sure to also reserve your car rental! Depending on what activities you want to do, a standard sedan is typically good for a summer trip if you plan to stick to paved roads. If your plans involve getting off the beaten path, however, we recommend renting an AWD or 4WD SUV that can handle the rough terrain. Also, keep in mind that the drive from Denver airport to Vail is steep with lots of mountain passes, so an AWD or 4WD may be your best option. For more details on getting to and around Vail, visit our guide on directions, parking, and transportation.
Summer weather in the Rockies ranges considerably from warm, sunny days to chillier mornings and evenings. July, for example, Vail’s warmest month, averages a high of 77 and a low of 42, so layers are definitely required. And with the afternoon storms that can roll in suddenly, you’ll not only want to start your hikes earlier in the morning, but you’ll want to pack a light rain jacket in your backpack just in case your hike runs late.
Because of this extreme shift in weather, we’ve put together a packing list so you can be prepared.
Summer has a lot to offer in Vail for every traveler: hiking trails, mountain biking, scenic Gondola rides, whitewater rafting, Epic Discovery attractions, and more. For a deep dive into our top recommended summertime attractions and activities, check out our guide on top 10 things to do in Vail in the summer. For a full, year-round look at the area, visit our complete guide on things to do in Vail.
Vail’s summer calendar is packed with can’t-miss events from June through September. Some of our favorites include the Bravo! Vail Music Festival, the GoPro Mountain Games, the Vail Farmers’ Market and Art Show, the Vail Dance Festival, and Hot Summer Nights concerts.
If you’re planning your trip around these events, we highly recommend booking your lodging as early as possible as event weekends can fill up quickly. To get the latest on each event, visit our Events page.
Booking your stay in Vail Village gives you easy access to most if not all of these activities and events without even needing a car.
Austria Haus is a luxury boutique and Hyatt-affiliated hotel in the heart of Vail Village. We offer a nice variety of hotel amenities designed to make your stay comfortable and convenient. If you’re visiting during the busy summer season, we recommend booking your stay with us about 2-4 months in advance before availability runs out.
Summer is one of the most popular seasons in Vail, especially during festivals and peak weekends. Reserving your lodging at least 2–4 months in advance helps secure the best availability, preferred locations in or near Vail Village, and better rates.
When planning your summer stay, book direct to lock in the best rates on lodging. You may find exclusive perks, clearer communication, and added flexibility when reserving directly.
If possible, travel midweek or outside of major event dates. This can offer more lodging options and a quieter Village experience while still enjoying everything Vail has to offer.
Afternoon storms are pretty common, so planning your hikes in the mornings is recommended. If you do plan to hike in the afternoons, packing a rain jacket is a good idea.
Vail sits at an elevation of about 8,150 feet (2,484 meters) so planning a low-key first day is a good idea to give your body time to adjust.
Be sure to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water during your summer trip, especially during your first couple of days as you adjust to the altitude. Bringing electrolyte tablets or powder that you can add to your water may also be a good idea.
Restaurant reservations fill up in the summer months. Check out our Vail Dining Guide for some of our restaurant recommendations.
Four to five days is usually perfect. This gives you a full day to adjust to the elevation, a couple days to get out on the trails, and a day or two to explore Vail Village.
Yes, especially for dinner. Restaurants in Vail Village get booked pretty quickly in July and August, especially during event weekends, so it’s best to make your reservations at least a week in advance.
Depending on the week, yes. Summer is lower-demand than winter, especially during the midweek. However, rates for lodging typically increase during event weekends and can reach the higher-priced winter rates.
