About Great Sand Dunes Weather
Great Sand Dunes National Park's weather varies significantly depending on location. The great majority of visitors come for the dune fields. Here temperatures are cold in late fall, winter, and early spring, with generally low precipitation. Summer temperatures are usually pleasant, but temperatures on the sand can be much, much higher than the air temperature (as high as 140°F or more). The few people entering the mountains of the park will find much lower temperatures, and more frequent and longer lasting snows. The statistics below are taken from the dunes area.
Visitation Seasons
The spring starts off cool with few visitors, but things pick up in May. The peak flow of Medano Creek through the dune field happens in late May or early June, and the park is very popular during this time.
The summer brings the highest temperatures of the year, with crowds somewhat less than late spring. Medano Creek dries up and temperatures on the sand can be painful. Thunderstorms are possible.
The fall brings reduced temperatures and fewer visitors. By September the possibility of snows arrive. By the end of the season things are very cold.
The winter brings snows and very low temperatures. Very few people visit the park during this time, although the dunes are very photogenic when snow-covered.
