Ouray, Colorado, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2021]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links. Traveling to Ouray, Colorado, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Ouray, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Ouray
- Important essentials 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
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 esssentials 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.
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.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 PACKING ESSENTIALS
- proof of COVID-19 vaccination if you have it
- vaccine card protector
- N95 masks for top protection
- kids' KN95 masks
- hand sanitizer
- touchless thermometer
- travel disinfecting wipes (for plane, etc)
- Ibuprofen
- Ginko biloba or other supplements (ask your doctor before using)
- A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be appropriate for most areas, but check with your hotel.
- A portable power bank, like this one
- A SIM card that works in Ouray. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some locations you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone
- Appropriate museum wear
- Emergency water purifier
- For families with young children:
- Ouray travelers often do a lot of walking, so a lightweight backpack like this is essential
- Airplane or car necessities:
- Photography items that we like:
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
What to wear/what to pack for Ouray, Colorado, United States of America by month
January
In January, Ouray is freezing. Temperatures routinely are in the high 30s F (single digits C) and about a third of the time jump into the low 40s F (single digits C) range.
At night, lows are in the 10s 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
- Thermal undergarments. We like:
- Multiple layer jacket shell:
- Fleeces
- Scarf our favorite
- Lip balm
- Coveralls; here are some of the best choices:
- Insulated boots. We use:
- Very heavy socks, or heated socks like these
- Pajamas
- Heavy sweaters:
- In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Ouray, we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A umbrella is important here. This one is a great choice.
- Ouray has some excellent ski areas If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
February in this region is pretty cool. 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:
- Thermal undergarments. Our choice is:
- Lip balm
- Fleeces
- Very heavy socks, or heated socks like these
- Coveralls; here are some of our favorites:
- Heavy sweaters:
- Pajamas
- Multiple layer jacket shell:
- Scarf our favorite
- Insulated boots. We use:
- Gloves
- In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Ouray, we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A umbrella is essential in this type of weather. This one is an excellent choice.
- Ouray has some good ski areas If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
March in Ouray is cold and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Heavy jacket
- Insulated water bottle
- Lip balm
- Heavy socks, such as:
- Sweaters
- Gloves or mittens
- Warm pants or jeans
- Cold weather footwear
- In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Ouray, a great option is these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A umbrella is essential in this type of weather. This one is an excellent choice.
- Ouray has some famous skiing If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
April in Ouray is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Heavy socks, such as:
- Sweaters
- Heavy jacket
- Lip balm
- Warm pants or jeans
- Insulated water bottle
- Gloves or mittens
- Cold weather footwear
- In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Ouray, a great option is these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A umbrella is vital here. This one is an excellent option.
- Ouray has some good ski areas If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
May
If you are traveling to Ouray in May, you will notice that it is crisp. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Warm pants or jeans
- Lip balm
- Jacket or coat
- Light gloves or mittens
- Socks
- Fleeces
- Standard footwear
- A rain poncho to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We like these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Windproof umbrella. This one is a perfect choice.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your belongings remain dry. We suggest: this one
June
If you are traveling to Ouray in June, you will notice that it is warm. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Shorts or short pants
- Skirts
- Sandals
- Bug repellent
- Light footwear
- Sunscreen lotion
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Dresses
- A rain poncho to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We like these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is a great option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your things stay dry. We like: this one
July
July for Ouray is warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Bug repellent
- Sandals
- Shorts or short pants
- Sunscreen lotion
- Light footwear
- Skirts
- Dresses
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We like these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Windproof umbrella. This one is a great one to buy.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your bags remain dry. We suggest: this one
August
August in Ouray is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Bug repellent
- Shorts or short pants
- Sandals
- Dresses
- Light footwear
- Skirts
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Sunscreen lotion
- A rain jacket to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We use:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is a perfect option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your bags stay dry. We recommend: this one
September
In September, Ouray is balmy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) and about half of the time jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range.
At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits 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:
- Dresses
- Bug repellent
- Sandals
- Shorts or short pants
- Light footwear
- Skirts
- Sunscreen lotion
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- A rain poncho to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We suggest:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Windproof umbrella. This one is a perfect one to buy.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your bags remain dry. We suggest: this one
October
If you are traveling to Ouray in October, you will notice that it can be chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Light gloves or mittens
- Jacket or coat
- Fleeces
- Warm pants or jeans
- Socks
- Lip balm
- Standard footwear
- In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Ouray, a great option is these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A umbrella is essential in this type of weather. This one is a great option.
- Ouray has some excellent skiing If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
November
November in this region is cold. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Insulated water bottle
- Sweaters
- Heavy socks, such as:
- Gloves or mittens
- Heavy jacket
- Warm pants or jeans
- Lip balm
- Cold weather footwear
- 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
- Waterproof boots
- A windproof umbrella is worth investing in for this weather. This one is an excellent option.
- Ouray has some good ski areas If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
December
December in Ouray can be brisk. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters.
During this time, temperatures average in the high 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:
- Thermal undergarments. We suggest:
- Insulated boots. We use:
- Pajamas
- Fleeces
- Lip balm
- Coveralls; here are some of the best choices:
- Very heavy socks, or heated socks like these
- Gloves
- Scarf our favorite
- Heavy sweaters:
- Multiple layer jacket shell:
- In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Ouray, a great option is these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A windproof umbrella is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great option.
- Ouray has some excellent ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
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