Is Colorado Actually Better Than the Beach in July? We Think So—Here’s Why

When most people think of summer, they picture beach chairs, flip-flops, and the constant hum of an air conditioner trying (and failing) to keep up with the heat. The usual suspects—Florida, Arizona, Texas—draw people in with promises of sunshine and swimming pools. But let’s be honest for a second. Have you ever tried walking to your car in Phoenix in July? It feels like opening an oven door with your whole body. Meanwhile, Colorado just kind of… exists peacefully. It doesn’t scream for attention. But if you’ve ever spent a summer day hiking in Estes Park or tubing down the Poudre River, you already know: Colorado quietly dominates the summer vacation game.

Cooler Temperatures Without Giving Up the Sun

It’s hot just about everywhere else. Not “Oh, it’s a little warm out today” hot. We’re talking triple-digit, can’t-touch-the-steering-wheel, sweating-in-your-sleep kind of hot. The kind of hot that makes you question your life choices by 11 a.m. But Colorado in the summer? It’s like that one friend who’s always calm, collected, and somehow perfectly dressed for the weather.

With elevations ranging from mile-high to full-on alpine, most of Colorado’s popular summer spots sit far above sea level. That elevation keeps the air cooler, even when the sun’s out in full force. So yes, you still get blue skies and sunshine, but without the oppressive humidity that turns your hair into a science experiment. People come to Colorado in the summer and say, “I didn’t even know summer could feel like this.” And they mean it.

Even in the bigger cities like Denver and Boulder, the mornings are crisp, the afternoons are warm but not melting-your-sandals hot, and the evenings cool down enough for a hoodie. That’s pretty hard to beat if you’re coming from somewhere that feels like a hot yoga studio 24/7.

You Can Actually Breathe Outside

Warm weather states like Florida, Louisiana, and even parts of California tend to feel like you’re living in a wet sponge from June through August. The humidity clings to your skin. The air feels thick. And after an hour outside, you’re pretty much begging for air-conditioning and wondering why you thought walking outside was a good idea.

Colorado’s dry air makes being outside feel… manageable. You’re not swimming through humidity. You’re not dripping in sweat by the time you unload your picnic basket. And unless you’re at the very bottom of the state in July, chances are you’re still comfortable even after a few hours of outdoor activity.

That means hiking, walking around town, kayaking, paddleboarding, even ziplining—none of it feels like punishment. You get to enjoy what you’re doing without heatstroke breathing down your neck. And let’s be honest: a quiet hike past wildflowers and rivers is a lot better than the long lines in Disneyworld. Just saying.

There’s So Much to Do That’s Not Just Sitting in the Sun

If your idea of summer fun doesn’t involve getting sunburned on a towel next to someone’s screaming toddler, Colorado’s got you. Summer here isn’t just about lounging. It’s about getting out and moving your body in beautiful places that don’t feel overcrowded or overhyped.

Want to hike? Take your pick—there are trails for every skill level. Want to swim? Lakes and reservoirs dot the state, and they don’t come with salty water or jellyfish. Craving a bit of speed and dirt? Rent a mountain bike rental and hit the trails for a mix of adrenaline and fresh air that most warm-weather destinations can’t offer.

You don’t have to plan your whole day around avoiding the peak heat hours. That alone makes summer in Colorado feel longer, better, and more satisfying. And if you’re someone who likes to explore without feeling like a lobster, you’ll be glad you swapped the beach for the mountains.

Less Crowds, More Charm

Let’s talk about people. Not in a judgy way—but it’s a fact that Florida, Southern California, and the like get completely overrun in the summer. Think bumper-to-bumper traffic for miles. Think two-hour waits for anything vaguely fun. Think beaches that look more like concerts, except with more sunscreen and fewer shirts.

Colorado has its popular spots, sure, but it’s a big state. There’s always somewhere quieter if that’s your thing. You can head up to the high country and find small towns that feel untouched by time. You can sit at a brewery patio and chat with locals who aren’t just there to survive the summer—they’re actually enjoying it.

And the thing is, Colorado doesn’t try too hard. It doesn’t have to. The mountains speak for themselves. The air feels better. The pace is relaxed. You’re not constantly jostling for space or checking your phone to make sure you made a reservation. You just go, do, see, and enjoy.

Nature Puts on a Show Here

Other states might have palm trees or desert blooms, but Colorado in the summer? It’s a full-blown production. The wildflowers burst across the meadows like someone threw confetti made of petals. The rivers actually have water in them—enough to raft, float, or just sit next to with your feet in and a sandwich in hand.

And then there are the mountains. Always there. Always towering. Always making every photo look like a postcard. The sunsets don’t hold back, either. They light up the sky in shades that feel made up until you see them with your own eyes. It’s not the kind of place where you need to be busy every second. Sometimes you just sit, look around, and think, “Wow. This is summer?”

Call It What It Is: Colorado Just Does Summer Better

You can keep your sweat-drenched tank tops and overcrowded beach parking lots. Colorado figured out how to do summer without making it feel like a battle. Whether you’re hiking to an alpine lake, sipping cold brew on a shaded porch, or just enjoying a night without mosquitos the size of grapes, summer here just feels more… livable.

It’s not loud about it. It’s not flashy. But once you experience a July afternoon in Colorado, with the sun on your face and no sweat running down your back, you’ll start wondering why more people don’t talk about it. Then again, maybe that’s the magic—it doesn’t need a hype crew. It just needs you to show up.