When Is the Best Time to Get a Tattoo in Colorado’s Climate?

Colorado is the most beautiful place in the world to live (pretty sure this is scientifically proven somewhere). But the same things that make Colorado so incredible (sunshine, high altitude, lovely white winters) are the very things that can affect your skin and tattoos in surprising ways. 

Many people don’t realize it, but understanding Colorado’s climate can make a difference in how your tattoo heals, looks, and ages over time.

Let’s talk about tattoos in Colorado throughout all four seasons, including how altitude, sun, dry air, and temperature impact your skin and immune system.

Colorado’s Climate 101: What Makes Us Different?

That's a high mountain.

Colorado is defined by four big factors:

1. High Altitude

Much of the state sits between 5,000 and 9,000 feet above sea level. This means:

• Stronger UV exposure due to thinner atmosphere.

• Lower humidity.

• Slight impact on circulation and inflammation.

All three matter during tattoo healing.

2. Intense, Year-Round Sunshine

Colorado consistently ranks in the top states for most sunny days per year, even in winter. Love that! But (there’s always a but) UV rays are the biggest cause of tattoo fading over time.

3. Dry Air

With humidity often under 20 percent, your skin can become prone to cracking, flaking, slower healing, and irritation after getting tattooed.

4. Sharp Seasonal Swings

Hot, dry summers. Cold, dry winters. Sudden temperature changes and wind. Your skin is constantly adapting. Put it all together and what do you get? A climate that is beautiful but heckin’ demanding on tattoos.

How Colorado’s Climate Affects Skin, Immunity, and Tattoos

Skin Health

Colorado’s dry environment makes skin less elastic, more dehydrated, slower to regenerate, and more reactive to friction. This directly impacts tattoo healing.

Immune System

Altitude can increase inflammation slightly and makes dehydration feel more intense. Good hydration and moisturizers matter more here than at lower elevations.

Tattoo Healing

Colorado’s climate affects tattoo healing in several ways:

• Dryness can increase flaking and itching.

• Sun exposure can cause quicker fading.

• Cold air can crack the skin and disrupt healing.

• Wind can irritate fresh tattoos.

What to do about it? Timing your tattoo can help improve your healing experience.

Do Tattoos Fade Faster in Colorado?

Short answer: Yes, if you are not careful. 

Colorado’s combination of altitude and intense UV exposure can make tattoos fade more quickly without proper protection.

Color vs. Black and Grey

• Color tattoos, especially reds, yellows, and pastels, are more vulnerable to UV fading.

• Black and grey hold up better but still fade faster in strong sun.

• Fine line tattoos can blur sooner in very dry climates if the skin remains chronically dehydrated.
  

This does not mean you should avoid color tattoos or that fine-line tattoo of your dreams. It simply means sun protection and skincare are essential.

How Colorado’s Seasons Affect Tattooing and Healing

Colorado has four distinct seasons, and each one affects tattooing differently.

Winter – The Best Time to Get a Tattoo

Benefits:

• Less sun exposure

• More clothing coverage

• Cooler temperatures that reduce swelling

• Fewer outdoor activities that interfere with healing

• Easier to protect your tattoo while it heals
  

Challenges:

• Indoor heating dries skin

• Many people enter winter already dehydrated
  

Client perspective: 

Sessions feel comfortable and cozy, and aftercare is simpler. You spend more time indoors and bundled up, which helps healing.

Artist perspective:

Skin tends to stay calm and dry but predictable, which makes tattooing smooth and consistent.

Spring – The Transition Season

Benefits:

• Moderate temperatures

• Less extreme sun

• Great for medium-sized pieces
  

Challenges:

• Windy conditions can irritate healing skin

• Unpredictable weather
  

Client perspective:

Spring is a great choice if you want a tattoo healed and ready to show off by summer. With diligent aftercare, healing goes very smoothly.

Artist perspective:

Skin hydration varies. Some clients still have winter-dry skin, which may slightly affect saturation.

Summer – The Hardest Season for Healing

Challenges:

• Strong UV exposure

• Hiking, swimming, sweating

• Sunscreen cannot be used on fresh tattoos

• Friction from clothing and gear

• Higher chances of irritation
  

Benefits:

• Many clients love showing their skin in summer, which makes them excited about new tattoos.

• You can show off healed tattoos more quickly.

• Skin is often naturally more hydrated.

• People feel great and energized (often a fun time to get tattooed).
  

Client perspective:

Summer is motivating because you’re thinking about showing off your skin. The challenge is avoiding sun and water while your tattoo heals.

Artist perspective:

Skin is soft and hydrated in summer, which can be great to work with. Clear aftercare guidance is extra important.

Fall – An Underrated Tattoo Season

Benefits:

• Comfortable temperatures

• Less harsh sun

• Skin typically well-hydrated after summer

• Fewer sweat-heavy activities
  

Challenges:

• Wind dryness increases

• Holiday travel and stress can interrupt aftercare and routine

  
  

Client perspective:

Healing is quick and uncomplicated. Temperatures are perfect, and sun exposure is lower.

Artist perspective:

Fall skin is usually ideal to tattoo. It is hydrated from summer yet calm from cooler weather.

Northern Colorado and Fort Collins: Local Climate Factors on Getting a Tattoo

Woman walking through downtown Fort Collins. Photo by Geoff Worcester

The Fort Collins, Loveland, and Windsor region has its own climate characteristics:

• Higher winds than many other parts of Colorado

• Lower humidity than Denver, especially in spring and fall

• Strong UV exposure due to elevation

• Occasional warm winter bursts that spike dryness

• Highly active outdoor culture

  
  

For tattoos in Northern Colorado:

• Wind protection matters just as much as sun protection

• Hydration is essential year-round

• Winter and fall are noticeably easier healing seasons

• Summer tattoos require planning but are completely manageable with proper aftercare

How Colorado’s Climate Influences the Tattooing Process

Client experience

• Skin may feel tighter or drier during long sessions

• Hydration noticeably improves comfort

• Stencils can lift more easily in dry air

• Some clients feel more fatigued during long sessions due to altitude, especially if dehydrated

  
  

Artist experience

• Dry skin can absorb ink differently

• Pre-session moisturizing (start weeks leading up to the tattoo) can improve saturation

• Cooler seasons reduce swelling, making the tattoo process smoother

So When Is the Best Time to Get a Tattoo in Colorado?

EZ tattooing a client

Winter is the easiest season for healing and long-term protection.

Fall is the second-best option.

Spring works well with good aftercare.

Summer requires extra caution but is completely doable with a committed plan.

The best time is simply when you feel ready — but knowing how Colorado’s climate affects your skin can help your tattoo heal beautifully and last longer.

Ready to book your next tattoo?

We’d love to help you plan the perfect tattoo at the perfect time of year. Book your session today.