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Weather in Ouray
Switzerland of America in a box canyon
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About Ouray
Ouray is a tiny mountain town boxed between thousand-foot cliffs in a steep canyon, earning the nickname 'Switzerland of America.' The town pulses with mountaineering culture, its Ouray Ice Climbing Park drawing ice climbers globally. Waterfalls cascade from cliffs, and the landscape is dramatic year-round.
Best months to visit
June, July, August
Things to do in Ouray
Ice climbing: Ouray Ice Park and frozen waterfalls ascents
Box Canyon Falls waterfall viewing and footbridge walk
Million Dollar Highway scenic drive: hairpin turns and views
Hiking trails: Perimeter trail and Cascade Falls options
Horseback riding into high country: guided alpine trails
Downtown art galleries and outdoor shop exploration
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
2C
Cold, with some rainy days.
February
2C
Cold, with some rainy days.
March
5C
Cold, with some rainy days.
April
9C
Cold, with some rainy days.
May
14C
Cool, with some rainy days.
Recommended
June
22C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Recommended
July
25C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
August
24C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
September
21C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
October
14C
Cool, with occasional showers.
November
7C
Cold, with occasional showers.
December
2C
Cold, with some rainy days.
Ouray calls itself the Switzerland of America, a tiny former mining town wedged into a box canyon ringed by sheer cliffs and waterfalls in Colorado's San Juan Mountains. A natural hot springs pool sits right at the edge of town with views straight up at the surrounding peaks, and in winter the canyon walls become one of the world's premier ice climbing destinations at the Ouray Ice Park.
Best areas to stay in Ouray
Downtown Ouray
A compact historic strip of Victorian buildings, restaurants, and shops surrounded by canyon walls.
Ouray Hot Springs Pool
The town's mineral hot springs complex, with multiple pools and mountain views.
Ouray Ice Park
A man-made ice climbing venue in the Uncompahgre Gorge, world-renowned among climbers in winter.
Yankee Boy Basin
A high alpine basin reached by 4x4 road, famous for wildflowers and waterfalls in summer.
Getting to Ouray
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Flights
Fly into Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), about a 1-hour drive.
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From London
~11-13 hours from London with connections to Montrose via Denver, plus the drive.
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Getting around
Downtown is walkable; a 4x4 is recommended for the surrounding mountain roads.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Ouray?
Summer offers hiking and jeep touring on the surrounding mountain roads, while January-March brings world-class ice climbing at the Ouray Ice Park.
What are the Ouray hot springs?
A large mineral hot springs pool complex right in town, fed naturally and set against dramatic cliff backdrops — a great way to relax after hiking.
Is Ouray good for jeep tours?
Yes — the surrounding mountains are crisscrossed with historic mining roads, and jeep rentals or guided tours are popular for accessing high alpine scenery.
How do I get around Ouray?
The small town is entirely walkable; a 4x4 vehicle is needed for the famous backcountry jeep roads like Yankee Boy Basin.
Is Ouray expensive?
It's a small resort town so prices for lodging and dining are moderate to high in peak season, but it's far less crowded and costly than major ski resorts.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Took a jeep tour up to Yankee Boy Basin and the wildflowers were unreal. Soaking in the hot springs afterwards with the cliffs all around was the perfect end to the day.
Hannah V. · July 2024
★★★★★
Came specifically for the Ice Park and it lived up to the hype — climbing routes right in the middle of this tiny town, surrounded by frozen waterfalls.
Connor M. · February 2023
★★★★☆
Such a pretty little town, felt genuinely tucked away in the mountains. A bit of a drive to get to but worth it for the scenery alone.
Patricia E. · September 2024
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