Dress for Vail in layers you can add and remove: a waterproof shell in winter and a light jacket for evenings the rest of the year. NOAA's normals for the Vail weather station average about a 29°F high and 7°F low in January and a 77°F high and 42°F low in July, and in summer the gap between afternoon and night averages 33 to 36 degrees. Vail Village sits at about 8,150 feet, where sun and cold are both stronger than at sea level, so the small items (sunscreen, goggles, a hat that fits under a helmet) matter as much as the jacket.
What temperatures to plan for
These are NOAA's 1991–2020 average highs and lows for the Vail station, in town at roughly 8,300 feet. Individual days swing well beyond them, and higher terrain is colder: the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola is usually at least 10 degrees cooler than the bottom.
| Months | Average high / low | What to bring |
|---|---|---|
| December to February | 28 to 33°F / 7 to 9°F | Full layering system, waterproof outer layers, insulated gloves, hat, neck gaiter, goggles, waterproof boots for town |
| March | 42°F / 17°F | The same system with a lighter mid layer; some afternoons on the mountain need no jacket at all |
| April to May | 49 to 60°F / 24 to 31°F | Insulated jacket for mornings and evenings, a shell for wet or snowy days, waterproof shoes |
| June to August | 71 to 77°F / 36 to 42°F | Shorts and tees for the day, a lightweight jacket for the evening, a rain jacket, hiking shoes, sun protection |
| September to October | 67 to 54°F / 34 to 25°F | Layers and a warm jacket for evenings, plus waterproof shoes for wet days |
| November | 38°F / 15°F | Winter clothing; about 26 inches of snow falls in town in an average November |
Dressing for the mountain
Skiing and riding work best as three layers plus accessories.
- Base layer: wool or synthetic rather than cotton, because you will sweat even in the cold. Thin wool ski socks keep feet warmer than thick ones because they leave room for circulation.
- Insulating layer: a thin fleece, sweater or hoodie you can peel off and stash in a locker at the base if you get warm.
- Outer layer: a waterproof, breathable jacket and waterproof pants. Non-insulated pants are more versatile because you decide how much goes underneath.
- Accessories: waterproof, insulated gloves; a hat that fits under a helmet; a neck gaiter, which works better than a scarf; and goggles, ideally with interchangeable lenses for changing light.
Helmets are recommended, and Vail's rental shops offer an optional helmet with their rental packages. For rental options, see the Vail ski rentals directory and the guide to ski rental costs.
Dressing for the village and dinner
Off the mountain, the usual evening outfit is casual: a puffer or rain jacket, sweaters, a vest, casual pants or jeans, a beanie, a scarf and waterproof boots, with sunglasses for the daytime. Shearling-lined boots are a favorite in the villages. Change out of ski boots as soon as you are off the hill. The Vail restaurants directory lists where to eat.
Sun, cold and dry air at altitude
High altitude exposes travelers to cold, low humidity and increased ultraviolet radiation, according to the CDC's Yellow Book, and the UV is strong on cloudy days as well as sunny ones. Sunscreen is the one accessory to bring in every season, and a lip balm with sun protection belongs in your jacket pocket. Hand warmers help on cold chairlifts, and a water bottle or hydration pack worn close to your body will not freeze. For how altitude affects the body, see how high Vail is.
Summer and fall outfits
Summer days call for shorts, leggings or athletic pants, tanks and tees, sun-protective clothing, a hat and hiking shoes or boots, with water-friendly sandals and a swimsuit if you plan to raft or soak. Pack a rain jacket and waterproof shoes as well, since afternoon thunderstorms are common. For an evening out or a stroll to the Vail Farmers' Market, casual pants, jeans, dresses, light sweaters, sneakers, and boots or loafers all work. With the day-to-night gap averaging 33 to 36 degrees in summer, keep the jacket in your bag.
Where to buy what you forgot
Vail Village and Lionshead have outdoor and clothing shops, among them Helly Hansen, Patagonia, The North Face, Burton, Pepi Sports, Kemo Sabe and Gorsuch. The guide to where to shop in Vail covers what each sells. For a longer packing list, including gear that is not clothing, see what to pack for Vail, and to pick your dates, the best time to visit Vail.
