Weather in Gunnison

Planning a trip or just want to check the current situation? In this section, you will find the freshest data on the weather in Gunnison, including detailed forecasts and clear charts.

The climate in Gunnison can be characterised as sharply continental, with distinct seasonal changes and significant temperature fluctuations. Truly frosty winters and moderately warm, very comfortable summers are typical for this corner of the United States. Overall, the weather here is quite dry, which makes the cold more bearable and summer days pleasant for active outdoor recreation.

The winter period lasts a long time here, and travellers should be prepared for harsh conditions: the thermometer often drops deep below freezing. However, with the arrival of summer, the picture changes dramatically. The warmest months, July and August, delight with mild warmth without exhausting heat, although nights can remain cool even at the height of the season. This is the ideal time for those who dislike sweltering heat and prefer fresh air.

One of the notable features of the weather in Gunnison is the consistently low level of precipitation throughout the year. Although the number of days with precipitation might seem noticeable, their intensity is usually low. This means that prolonged downpours or blizzards happen infrequently, and tourists can enjoy clear or slightly cloudy weather most of the time.

The climate in Gunnison is characterised by pronounced seasonality and significant temperature fluctuations, which is typical for high-altitude regions. The coldest period of the year is the winter months, especially January and December, when average figures drop to -8.9°C. Winters here are truly frosty: night temperatures often reach -15.8°C, and even during the day, the air rarely warms up above -1°C. Travellers planning a trip in winter should prepare for severe conditions.

Summer, on the contrary, offers very comfortable and mild conditions, perfectly suitable for open-air relaxation without exhausting heat. July is considered the warmest month, when the average temperature is around 15.8°C, and daily highs reach a pleasant 23.8°C. June and August also delight with warmth, warming up to 20–22°C during the day; however, it is worth remembering that summer here is quite short.

An important feature of the local climate is the substantial difference between day and night temperatures. Even at the height of summer, when one can enjoy the sun during the day, nights remain cool: minimum values in June and September can drop to 3.7°C — 3.8°C. Transitional seasons are cool: already in October the average temperature falls to 4.2°C, and April barely overcomes the freezing mark, so warm clothing will be useful in Gunnison practically all year round.

The nature of precipitation in Gunnison depends directly on the time of year and temperature regime. Since winters here are cold, with sustained sub-zero temperatures, in the period from November to March precipitation falls mainly in the form of snow. The highest number of "wet" days falls on the beginning of spring: March is the leader with an average of 14 days with precipitation, followed by February (13 days).

The summer period brings a shift from snow to rain, however, the intensity of precipitation remains low. September and June can be called the driest months in terms of rain frequency, when only 6 to 7 days with precipitation are recorded. This time is excellent for hiking and sightseeing natural attractions, as the sky remains clear more often.

At the height of summer, in July and August, the probability of precipitation increases slightly — up to 9–10 rainy days per month. Nevertheless, the total level of precipitation throughout the year remains quite low (about 1–2 mm per month), which suggests that prolonged downpours or heavy snowfalls are a rarity here. Most likely, you will encounter brief light snow in winter or a slight drizzle during the warm season.

Gunnison is distinguished by a rather harsh climate in the winter period, so if your trip is planned from November to March, be sure to take care of warm clothing. The average temperature in winter holds at around -9°C, and at night frosts can reach -16°C. You will need high-quality thermal underwear, a reliable down jacket, a warm hat, a scarf, and gloves. Given the probability of snow and precipitation, choose waterproof and insulated shoes with non-slip soles to move around the streets comfortably.

In summer, the weather becomes much more pleasant, with daytime temperatures around +20...+24°C, however, nights remain cool (around +8°C). At this time of year, as well as in spring and autumn, it is best to stick to the principle of layering. Take t-shirts and light shirts for sunny days, but be sure to put a fleece jacket, a warm sweater, and a windbreaker in your suitcase to feel comfortable after sunset or during a sudden cold snap.

Regardless of the season, do not forget about UV protection: sunscreen and sunglasses will be useful even in winter due to the bright sun. For walking around the city and surroundings, choose comfortable, broken-in walking shoes. Since the number of days with precipitation varies throughout the year, a compact umbrella or a light raincoat will not take up much space in your luggage but may prove very handy during changeable weather.