The best time to visit Scotts Bluff and the surrounding Panhandle is late spring through early autumn — May to September. Summer days are warm to hot (highs in the low 30s Celsius), with long daylight hours that work well for hiking the Saddle Rock Trail at the national monument and exploring the surrounding countryside. July and August can be very hot on the exposed blufftops; start early to avoid the midday heat.
Spring (April to May) brings the best wildflowers in the monument and moderate temperatures. September and October offer cool days and minimal crowds — arguably the most comfortable time for walking. Winter is cold and can bring snow and high winds off the open plains; most visitor facilities at the national monument remain open year-round, but conditions on the trails can be severe. There are no major festivals or events worth specifically timing a trip around — this is a place for the landscape, not the calendar.