Weather Conditions During Colorado’s Archery Elk Hunting Season

By Adam Parr –

If I were able to accurately predict the weather months or years in advance, I’d either be a weatherman or a millionaire. Surprise, I’m neither! Unfortunately, reality states that it’s just flat out impossible to know what’s coming but we can make assumptions based on the past. There’s no way to accurately forecast what the weather will hold come fall, but based on the past three seasons I’ve spent chasing elk at 8-10,000 feet, I’ve witnessed some similarities between them.

Early Season – Last Week of August

Based on how the calendar lands, Colorado’s archery season can kick off as early as August 25th whereas some years, (like in 2019) it doesn’t begin until August 31st. I’m telling you this because a week can make a big difference in temperature and weather conditions. If you’re hunting during late August, most likely it’s going to be hot.

Temperatures Range – 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and night-time lows in the upper 40s.

Pro Tip – Prepare to deal with heat and little precipitation during this time period so keep that in mind for a potential pack-out. If you get an elk down, you need to have a plan in place and the necessary gear to keep the meat from spoiling. Plan on being in your lightweight pants and shirts for the majority of the day and have those insulation layers handy when it cools off at night.

Early Season – First Week of September

The first week of September can be much like a pregnant woman; unpredictable. I’ve found that this week can be a bit of a wild card with it being warm and calm one day to cold and windy the next, so you should prepare accordingly. If you experience a few hot days in a row and then the temperature drops significantly, the bulls will start getting fired up and that is the day to make it count.

Temperatures Range – 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and night-time lows in the mid-40’s.

Pro Tip – Watch the weather forecast closely upon departure to elk camp. If it’s clear and sunny, you can get away with the heavy late-season gear and head afield a little lighter.

Mid-Season – Second and Third Week of September

As the season dates progress, so does the weather and at this point in the year, temperatures begin to drop significantly where snow is a possibility above 9,000 feet. Although Colorado isn’t nearly the same climate like the Pacific Northwest when it comes to rainfall, an afternoon shower or two during a week hunt isn’t out of the question.

Temperatures Range – 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and night-time lows in the upper 30’s.

Pro Tip – Cold gear is a necessity at this point so make sure you have a good layering system at your disposable inside your pack. The weather can change rapidly and in rugged mountain terrain, you won’t see it coming on the horizon. If heavy rain begins to fall while you’re in the field, it’s usually short lived so wait it out under the trees and begin hunting again once it passes through.

Late Season – Last Week of September

As the mountains inch closer to Winter, it’s not unusual to wake up to freshly fallen snow during the final days of Colorado’s archery elk season. Mother nature can get downright ugly and unforgiving, especially at elevations closer to treeline. Unless you hit a patch of unseasonably warm temperatures (which can happen) prepare yourself for tough conditions.

Temperatures Range – 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and night-time lows in the upper 20’s.

Pro Tip – Bring the right gear for all day excursions and only go back to camp if it’s an absolute necessity. This is the time of year when bulls have the biggest groups of cows and the rut is in full swing. If things slow down during the middle of the day and you find yourself getting cold, make a fire to warm yourself which will provide a midday morale boost to keep you going.

Be Prepared

The most important thing to remember about the Colorado high country is to be prepared. Things can change in a flash and it’s best to have and not need than to need and not have. If you’re venturing into your first elk hunt and you’ve yet to spend any time in the mountains, you have to realize it’s a different world than chasing whitetails on your grandpa’s back forty. The stakes are higher and you’re further away from civilization, immersed in much more unforgiving terrain. In addition to tough scenarios, all of what I wrote above could turn out to be complete bullshit; it could be 30 degrees on opening day and 90 at the end of September. You just never know.

If you’re heading into the mountains this fall, a good clothing layering system is key to keep you comfortable in all sorts of weather scenarios. Check out the Sitka Gear layering system I use during the Colorado archery season. Good luck in the woods this year and stay safe.