Leadville and Twin Lakes Weather by Month: NOAA Averages, Snow Season and What to Pack

Leadville and Twin Lakes have a cold, high-mountain climate: July, the warmest month, averages a high of 71°F and a low of 39°F, while January averages 29.5°F for a high and about 5°F overnight. Snow is possible in every month except August, and the Leadville weather station averages about 157 inches of snow a year, with the most in April and November. Pack layers year-round, plan summer hikes for the morning, and expect winter driving from October into May.

Quick answer: Leadville weather by month

These are the official NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals for the Leadville station at Lake County Airport, from the National Centers for Environmental Information. Average high and low, then average snowfall and total precipitation:

• January: 29.5°F and 4.6°F. Snow 18.8 in. Precipitation 0.99 in.
• February: 30.6°F and 5.7°F. Snow 20.1 in. Precipitation 0.91 in.
• March: 36.9°F and 12.3°F. Snow 21.1 in. Precipitation 1.02 in.
• April: 43.0°F and 19.1°F. Snow 26.6 in. Precipitation 1.36 in.
• May: 54.3°F and 27.4°F. Snow 11.8 in. Precipitation 1.06 in.
• June: 66.2°F and 34.0°F. Snow 0.8 in. Precipitation 0.82 in.
• July: 71.0°F and 39.2°F. Snow 0.2 in. Precipitation 1.72 in.
• August: 68.1°F and 38.1°F. Snow 0.0 in. Precipitation 1.87 in.
• September: 61.5°F and 31.6°F. Snow 1.0 in. Precipitation 1.13 in.
• October: 49.9°F and 23.6°F. Snow 13.8 in. Precipitation 0.90 in.
• November: 37.1°F and 12.5°F. Snow 25.1 in. Precipitation 0.86 in.
• December: 29.4°F and 4.8°F. Snow 17.6 in. Precipitation 0.88 in.

Annual totals: about 156.9 inches of snow and 13.52 inches of precipitation. These numbers are for the Leadville station. Twin Lakes sits roughly 900 feet lower, so treat them as a close guide rather than an exact forecast for the lake.

What is the elevation of Twin Lakes, Colorado?

Twin Lakes village sits at roughly 9,200 feet; the Roadhouse Lodge in the village lists 9,222 feet. Leadville, about 20 miles north, is at 10,152 feet, which Visit Leadville Twin Lakes calls the highest incorporated city in North America. Mount Elbert, the state's highest peak, rises right above the lake. Elevation is the single biggest driver of the weather here: cool nights even in midsummer, strong sun, and snow that can arrive in September and linger into June.

Summer (June to August): warm days, cold nights, afternoon storms

Summer is short and lovely. Daytime highs in the upper 60s to low 70s feel warm in the high-altitude sun, but lows in the upper 30s mean a jacket every evening. July and August are the wettest months of the year in the NOAA normals, and that rain typically arrives as afternoon thunderstorms that build over the peaks.

The National Weather Service rule is simple: when thunder roars, go indoors, because no place outside is safe when a storm is nearby. For hikers that means starting early, aiming to be off exposed ridges and summits before storms build, and turning around when clouds tower. See our Mount Elbert trailhead planning guide for timing.

Fall (September to October): crisp, colorful and changeable

September highs average around 61°F with lows near freezing, and it gets noticeably less rain than July or August in the normals, one reason aspen season is so popular. By October the average high drops to about 50°F, lows are in the low 20s, and nearly 14 inches of snow is normal for the month. Our fall colors guide covers timing. Independence Pass on Highway 82 west of Twin Lakes typically closes for the winter on or near November 7, per CDOT; check our Independence Pass closure dates guide for this year's current status before you drive.

Winter (November to March): deep cold and steady snow

Winter highs sit around 30°F, and average lows in December and January are about 5°F, with colder nights common. November through April each average roughly 18 to 27 inches of snow. Snow here tends to be dry and plentiful, which makes for good skiing at Ski Cooper and Nordic trails, and for slow, slick roads. That same cold and snowpack set the calendar for snowmobiling season and for ice fishing at Twin Lakes and Turquoise Lake, so plan either trip around when conditions are established rather than the date alone. Wind at this elevation makes it feel colder than the thermometer says.

Spring (April to May): the snowiest month is April

Spring surprises people. April averages 26.6 inches of snow at Leadville, the most of any month, and May still averages nearly 12 inches. Trails at higher elevation stay snowbound into June, and the reservoir is often still thawing in May. If you are planning a late-spring trip, expect mud, snow and sun in the same week.

Road conditions by season

• Check COtrip.org, CDOT's real-time road condition site, before any mountain drive from October through May.
• The Colorado Traction Law is in effect on I-70 between Dotsero and Morrison from September 1 through May 31. Passenger vehicles need 4WD or AWD with at least 3/16-inch tread on winter, all-weather or mud-and-snow tires, or chains or an approved traction device, when the law is activated. CDOT can activate it on other state highways too.
• Independence Pass (CO 82 over to Aspen) is closed in winter, typically from early November until the Thursday before Memorial Day.

What to pack for Leadville and Twin Lakes

1. Layers for every season: a warm fleece or puffy and a hat even in July.
2. A waterproof rain jacket for summer afternoon storms.
3. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brim hat; Visit Leadville Twin Lakes notes that UV is stronger at higher elevations.
4. A refillable water bottle; dehydration happens more quickly at altitude.
5. In winter: insulated boots, gloves, traction devices for icy walks, and a car with good tires and an ice scraper.
6. For hikers: an early alarm, a headlamp and a plan to turn around before storms.

Where to stay for any season

The Big Mack is a whole-house rental across the road from Twin Lakes at about 9,200 feet, a little lower than Leadville. On cold nights there is a fireplace and a hot tub, and on stormy afternoons a full kitchen, washer and dryer and Wi-Fi make it easy to wait out the weather. It sleeps 12 in 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with parking on site. Your host is John. Check your dates and book direct.