Ouray, Colorado, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Ouray, Colorado, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Ouray, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Ouray
- Important essentials for Ouray
- Activities for Ouray
- Ouray in January: weather and what to pack
- Ouray in February: weather and what to pack
- Ouray in March: weather and what to pack
- Ouray in April: weather and what to pack
- Ouray in May: weather and what to pack
- Ouray in June: weather and what to pack
- Ouray in July: weather and what to pack
- Ouray in August: weather and what to pack
- Ouray in September: weather and what to pack
- Ouray in October: weather and what to pack
- Ouray in November: weather and what to pack
- Ouray in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Ouray, Colorado, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Ouray, the best time to go is June. See below for details.
Important essentials for Ouray, Colorado, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Ouray, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may get worn. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly choice.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
Other health necessities
Ouray is at a somewhat high altitude, and could cause problems for some. For that reason, you will want to be constantly hydrated and pack altitude sickness remedies.
Over-the-counter medicine
Supplements
Ginko biloba or other supplements (ask your doctor before using)
Don't forget these
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Ouray. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
For families with young children
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one is sufficent for most countries, but you should check with your hotel.
Airplane or car necessities
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Activities for Ouray, Colorado, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Ouray.
If you go to Ouray County Historical Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Comfy walking shoes
If you want to visit Box Canyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
Ultralight day pack
to carry essentials.
Waterproof phone bag
Binoculars
-
Swimsuits
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
We also recommend these top tours in and around Ouray.
What to wear/what to pack for Ouray, Colorado, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Ouray is freezing. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C) to high 30s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy sweaters
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
Scarf/neck warmer
Extreme cold weather gloves
Lip balm
The best option: here
Pajamas
Insulated ice boots
We use:
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Fleece inner layer
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Ouray, we suggest these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A windproof umbrella
This is important here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Ouray has some good skiing If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
If you go to Ouray in February, you will notice that it is cold. Expect it to snow regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Extreme cold weather gloves
Pajamas
-
Heavy sweaters
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
Lip balm
The best option: this one
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
Insulated ice boots
We use:
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Fleece inner layer
Scarf/neck warmer
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Ouray, a great option is these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Ouray has some famous ski areas If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
In March, Ouray is pretty cool and somewhat snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) and 5-10 days this month jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Ouray, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
Gloves
Heavy socks
Such as:
Sweaters
Warm pants or jeans
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
Lip balm
Our pick: this
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Ouray, we suggest these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A wind resistant umbrella
This is important here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Ouray has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
April in Ouray is pretty cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) to 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sweaters
Gloves
Heavy socks
Such as:
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
Lip balm
Our choice: this
Heavy jacket
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Ouray, we suggest these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Ouray has some famous skiing If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
May
If you visit Ouray during May, you might see that it is relatively cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Extra socks
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
June
If you vacation in Ouray during June, you are likely to notice that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Breathable footwear or sandals
Bug repellent
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sandals
Light skirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sunscreen lotion
Short pants or heavy shorts
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
July
If you visit Ouray during July, you will probably find that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Short pants or heavy shorts
Bug repellent
Extra socks
Sunscreen lotion
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Light skirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sandals
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
August
In August, Ouray is warm. Temperatures routinely are in the 70s F (mid 20s C) and occasionally jump into the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Ouray, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sunscreen lotion
Light skirts
Sandals
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Bug repellent
Extra socks
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
September
Traveling to Ouray in September, you will notice that it is balmy. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light skirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sunscreen lotion
Sandals
Bug repellent
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
October
Traveling to Ouray in October, you will notice that it is chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
Fleece
Light gloves or mittens
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Standard footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Ouray, we suggest these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Ouray has some good skiing If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
November
November in Ouray can be very chilly. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) to 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Warm pants or jeans
Heavy jacket
Sweaters
Heavy socks
Such as:
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
Gloves
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this
-
Cold weather footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Ouray, a great option is these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Ouray has some great ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
December
December in this region can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
Insulated ice boots
We use:
Thermal undergarments
We like:
Pajamas
Lip balm
The best pick: this one
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Heavy sweaters
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Fleece inner layer
Extreme cold weather gloves
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Ouray, we suggest these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A wind resistant umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Ouray has some great ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
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