Weather

Temperatures are surprisingly cool at the dunes' elevation of approximately 8500 feet (2590 m), but the sand surface becomes hot on sunny summer days. Plan to explore the dunes in early morning or evening during summer months.

NPS/Fred Bunch

Visit the National Weather Service online forecast for the main visitor area of the park. Because the park ranges in elevation from 7500' to over 13,000', this forecast is only valid for the 8170' level, where the main parking area, campground, and Visitor Center are located.

View the park's webcam during daylight hours to see current conditions.

See the average temperatures and precipitation for each month of the year. This chart is based on data collected from 1951 to present in the main day use area.

The Great Sand Dunes Weather Station displays current weather data for a station located near the Visitor Center.

Below is general weather information for each season:

Spring can sometimes bring high winds, especially in the afternoon. Temperatures may vary widely: highs may reach into the 60s F, or only into the 30s F with an even colder windchill. Lows can also vary from 0 degrees F to the 40s F. March and April are the snowiest months of the year. In later spring when Medano Creek is flowing, snow or high winds are still possible...or there may be calm, sunny, swimsuit weather. Be prepared for any conditions in spring!

 

Medano Creek flows from snowmelt in late spring and early summer during years of at least average snowpack.

NPS Photo by Patrick Myers

In summer, daytime air temperatures average in the 70s-80s F. However, sand surface temperatures can soar to 140 degrees F on sunny summer afternoons. Summer nights are surprisingly cool, thanks to our elevation of 8200' above sea level. Even in summer, warm layered clothing is recommended, as lows may drop into the 40s. After dark, a jacket or a blanket are usually needed. Afternoon thundershowers are common in July and August with associated cool winds, heavy rain and lightning. Be prepared to leave the dunes promptly if thunderstorms threaten: lightning strikes are common and can be fatal.

 

Fall colors on Montville Nature Trail

NPS/Patrick Myers

Fall is generally mild, with Indian summer days. Highs average in the 60s - 70s F, with chilly nights in the 20s - 30s F. Be prepared, though, for the occasional cold fall storm, bringing icy rain or even snow.

 

Fresh snow on dunefield and Sangre de Cristo Mountains

NPS Photo by Patrick Myers

Cold temperatures are the norm in winter, even though sunshine is generally abundant. The lowest temperature recorded at Great Sand Dunes was minus 25 degrees in 1963. Average highs are in the teens-30s F, with lows averaging minus 5 degrees F below zero to 15 degrees F above zero. Snow may fall and blizzards occasionally occur, so bring warm, layered clothing and sturdy footwear.