Group river rafting in Breckenridge, Colorado
Group river rafting in Breckenridge, Colorado

6 Ways To Beat The Heat in Breckenridge

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As the temps reach the high 90s around the country, Breckenridge, Colorado will max out at a few degrees below 80°F, making it the perfect temperature for just about anything.  Give your air conditioning a break and head to Breckenridge to experience the top 6 ways to beat the heat.

1. No Heat, No Humidity

Couple walks down street in Breckenridge, CO

Sunny days around 70 degrees draw us outside for adventures, festivals and just soaking up the sun on a deck right on historic Main Street.

July and August typically top the charts as the warmest months of the year in Breckenridge at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit on average. While these are our warmest months, it rarely gets above 80 degrees, so many flock here to escape the summer heat hitting the rest of the county. Combine that with our dry climate to create the perfect destination to log some solid hours outdoors.

From mid-July through August, you can expect quick afternoon thunderstorms, so be sure to start hiking and biking early in the day, keep an eye on the weather and always pack extra layers.

2. Rafting

A group in the rapids while rafting in Breckenridge

Whitewater rafting can be as wild or mild as you want it to be thanks to the huge selection of nearby rivers.

There’s no better way to beat the heat than heading to the river. Splashes of ice-cold water are guaranteed to keep you cool as your raft floats downstream. Several local companies offer whitewater rafting tours on rivers that are located within an hour of Breckenridge, including the Colorado, Arkansas, Blue and Eagle Rivers, as well as Clear Creek with even more options if you don’t mind traveling a bit farther. Ranging from scenic float trips that are great for families with smaller children to excursions with heart-pounding Class IV and V rapids, there’s a rafting trip for just about everyone.

3. Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Yoga class practices yoga on a paddleboard in Breckenridge, CO

Test your balance at SUP Yoga, offered every weekend on the Maggie Pond.

Stand-up paddle boarding (called SUP) may have started in the ocean, but we’ve fully embraced SUPing here in the mountains. The Maggie Pond is great for beginners and offers convenient walk-up rentals as well as SUP Yoga.  This just off Main Street location makes it easy to cool off after a hike or lunch in town.  For a longer tour, head to Lake Dillon to explore coves and miles of alpine shoreline.

4. Fly Fishing

Two men fishing in river that have caught a fish

With all the creeks, rivers, lakes and ponds that surround Breckenridge, there is a wide range of fish in the area.

Colorado is known for its fly fishing (and fly fishing fanatics), and Breckenridge is no different. With world-class fishing spots in town, it allows anglers to vie for both rainbow and brown trout as well as the occasional brook trout.  Even on the warmest days, the fresh mountain runoff that fills the river is guaranteed to be refreshingly chilly.  If you’re a fly fishing novice, there are several great shops in town that can hook you up (no pun intended) with gear and a guide. Utilize a guide—they not only know the best spots, but they are also incredibly in tune with the taste buds of these local trout. Though there are plenty of good spots in town, there are also other opportunities to fish in the high alpine lakes or on a float trip on a nearby river.

5. Ghost Tour

"ghost" apparition in historic victorian living room

The past comes alive in Breckenridge and thanks to daily ghost tours, it might just scare you.

Is there any better way to cool off than being chilled to the bone? Prepare to be haunted by Breckenridge’s mining ghosts of the past on a ghost tour, or walk through Breckenridge’s nationally recognized Historic District. History lovers will enjoy visiting original cabins and stately homes to learn about the people who lived here over 100 years ago.

6. Patio Season

Group of friends drink and eat on a patio at sunset

Breckenridge has an impressive selection of decks and patios. Take advantage of them during a sun-soaked happy hour or dining alfresco.

Our Colorado mountain town is graced with 300+ days of glorious mood-boosting sunshine a year, and if there’s anything locals love more than playing hard, it’s logging solid lounge time on sun-soaked patios and decks in Breckenridge. So kick back, relax and raise a cold one to beating the heat in Breckenridge.

By Breck Editorial
The Breckenridge Tourism Office works to enhance and promote the unique character and experience of Breckenridge as a world-renowned destination resort and to represent, serve and perpetuate the common interest and character of its membership and community.
downtown Breckenridge at dusk
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