Colorado is the state in western central portion of the United States. It is one of the Mountain States. Western half of the state is occupied by ranges of the Rocky Mountains while eastern half lies on the Great Plains. Climate of Colorado varies greatly due to presence of mountains and plains and influence of oceanic air masses.

First of all there is pronounced altitude related alternation of weather. More elevated areas receive more precipitation and lower averages. In addition south of the state isn’t necessary warmer than north. Eastern plains have temperate climate with wide range of annual average temperatures between 95 °F (35 °C) in summer and down to 0 °F (-18 °C) in winter. Precipitation is moderate with annual amount of 15-24” (380-630 mm) depending on location. Western portion is cooler and more humid. Average temperature in July is 70 °F (21 °C).

 

Seasons

 

Contents:

• Spring
• Summer
• Autumn
• Winter

Spring in Colorado

Main feature of the spring Colorado is wide daily range of temperatures. It is usual, when at afternoon air is as warm as 77 °F (25 °C) and by evening temperature drops and it snows. In general spring in the state is mild and short. Snow in late May is usual and most elevated ski resorts are open until early June.

Best time to visit the state is in April and May after snow melting. Weather is perfect for hiking and scenery of the state is complimented by blooming wildflowers. Frequency of annual storms rapidly decreases in spring. Rapid change of weather conditions occurs due to warm and moist air from south. Such intrusion results frequent thundershowers.

Climate of the Spring Months

March Max average t°: 55 °F (+12.5 °C) Min average t°: 25 °F (-4 °C) Sundial in the day: 9.5 hours Rainy days: 6 days Precipitation: 2.0" (51 mm)

April Max average t°: 62 °F (+16.5 °C) Min average t°: 32 °F (0 °C) Sundial in the day: 10 hours Rainy days: 7 days Precipitation: 2.9" (73 mm)

May Max average t°: 70 °F (+21 °C) Min average t°: 42 °F (+5 °C) Sundial in the day: 11 hours Rainy days: 9 days Precipitation: 3.4" (86 mm)

(‎Denver)

Spring Holidays

March 1st: National Women of Color Day.
March 17: St.Patrick 's Day.

April 1: April Fools' Day.
April 22: International Earth Day.

2nd Sunday of May: Mother’s Day.
last Monday in May: Memorial Day.

Summer in Colorado

In terms of weather summer is the most predictable season in Colorado. Some ski resorts are open until June, but weather is warm in majority of territory of the state. Air temperature rarely rises above 86 °F (30 °C). It hovers around 77 °F (25 °C) most of the season. Fast and intense thundershowers are common for summer in Colorado. In eastern plains they even might grow in tornado.

Due to low air humidity and relatively high exposure to radiation of sun (altitude related issue) there is quick evaporation, so rainfall isn’t much of concern. Though, lightning may cause wildfire. Another feature of weather of the state is large day to night change of temperature, so nights are cool after even the hottest of days.

 

Climate of the Summer Months

 

June Max average t°: 82 °F (+28 °C) Min average t°: 53 °F (+11.5 °C) Sundial in the day: 12 hours Rainy days: 6 days Precipitation: 2.2" (55 mm)

July Max average t°: 87 °F (+31 °C) Min average t°: 60 °F (+15 °C) Sundial in the day: 12.5 hours Rainy days: 6 days Precipitation: 1.7" (44 mm)

August Max average t°: 85 °F (+29 °C) Min average t°: 58 °F (+14 °C) Sundial in the day: 12 hours Rainy days: 5 days Precipitation: 1.6" (42 mm)

(Denver)

Summer Holidays

June 14: Day of the American flag.
June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day.
Third Sunday of June: Father’s Day.

July 4: Independence Day.
August 26: Women's Equality Day.

Autumn in Colorado

Autumn in Colorado is another short season. Approach of winter is marked by reduced nighttime temperature, but afternoons are still warm until October. For instance, averages of September are around 71 °F (22 °C). Later in October and November there is high probability of first snow. In mountains snow falls even earlier.

Autumn is the great time to enjoy vivid colors of forest of Colorado. Vivid golden, brown and crimson tree crowns under white mountaintops are simply beautiful. Moreover weather will certainly be bright in Colorado for the state has average of 300 sunny days per year.

 

Climate of the Autumn Months

 

September Max average t°: 78 °F (+26 °C) Min average t°: 50 °F (+10 °C) Sundial in the day: 10 hours Rainy days: 4 days Precipitation: 1.5" (38 mm)

October Max average t°: 65 °F (+18.5 °C) Min average t°: 38 °F (+3 °C) Sundial in the day: 9 hours Rainy days: 5 days Precipitation: 1.7" (44 mm)

November Max average t°: 52 °F (+11 °C) Min average t°: 26 °F (-4 °C) Sundial in the day: 8 hours Rainy days: 4 days Precipitation: 1.7" (44 mm)

(‎Denver)

Autumn Holidays

1st Monday in September: Labor Day.

1st Monday in October: Frances Xavier Cabrini Day
2nd Monday in October: Columbus Day.
October 31: Halloween (All Hallows' Eve)

November 11: Veterans Day.
4th Thursday in November: Thanksgiving Day.

Winter in Colorado

Usually winter is cold in both mountainous and plain parts of the state. Of course degree of cold depends on altitude, but temperatures below freezing rarely stay for longer than couple of days. There is plenty of snow in mountains and plain may be rather snowy too. Snow blizzards are common for the region, but they pass quickly and lest fresh fluffy snow cover for skiing and snow shoeing.

Climate of the Winter Months

December Max average t°: 42 °F (+5 °C) Min average t°: 19 °F (-9 °C) Sundial in the day: 7.5 hours Snowy days: 4 days Precipitation: 0.9" (23 mm)

January Max average t°: 43 °F (+6 °C) Min average t°: 18 °F (-9 °C) Sundial in the day: 8 hours Snowy days: 4 days Precipitation: 0.95" (24 mm)

February Max average t°: 45 °F (+7 °C) Min average t°: 22 °F (-8 °C) Sundial in the day: 8.5 hours Snowy days: 4 days Precipitation: 1.0" (25 mm)

(Denver)

Winter Holidays

December 25: Christmas Day.

January 1: New Year’s Day.
January 20 every fourth year: Inauguration Day.
3rd Monday in January: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

February 14: St. Valentine's Day.
3rd Monday in February: Washington’s Birthday.