Weather in Aurora, Colorado
High country wildflowers peak. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast17%75°55°
- SundayMay 17Drizzle33%68°50°
- MondayMay 18Light Snow Shwrs98%50°33°
- TuesdayMay 19Light Drizzle77%45°29°
- WednesdayMay 20Light Drizzle77%65°39°
- ThursdayMay 21Light Drizzle49%59°44°
- FridayMay 22Overcast28%69°42°
- PM 2.5
- 7.3 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 8.6 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 12.5 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 99.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 11:51 AM
- Moonset
- 2:40 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
High country wildflowers peak
Aurora at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 70°F — typical for the season
- Last frost: April 14 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Warm-season window is open
As of May 17, the last spring frost has passed for most years. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, and cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melons) now. Direct-sow beans and corn into warm soil.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Aurora's peak heat with average temperatures around 75°F, while December delivers the coldest conditions at roughly 32°F. May receives the most rainfall at 2.3 inches, contrasting sharply with January's meager 0.5 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32° | 0.5″ | 2 |
| February | 33° | 0.5″ | 2 |
| March | 42° | 1.1″ | 3 |
| April | 48° | 1.7″ | 4 |
| May | 58° | 2.3″ | 5 |
| June | 69° | 1.7″ | 4 |
| July | 75° | 2.1″ | 4 |
| August | 73° | 1.8″ | 4 |
| September | 64° | 1.5″ | 3 |
| October | 51° | 1.0″ | 3 |
| November | 40° | 0.7″ | 2 |
| December | 32° | 0.5″ | 2 |
Regional context
Aurora belongs to a hot desert climate region that includes nearby cities with similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions.
Similar climates: Denver, CO, Colorado Springs, CO, Lakewood, CO, Thornton, CO, Grand Junction, CO.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the emergence of prairie sunflower buds across Colorado's Front Range grasslands.
Mountain bluebirds return to their nesting territories during April's warming days.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Aurora?
- Aurora's final spring frost usually occurs around mid-April, while the first fall frost returns around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Aurora?
- May stands as the wettest month with approximately 2.3 inches of rain on average, contributing to the city's roughly 15 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Aurora?
- July typically brings the warmest weather, averaging about 75°F.
- What is the coldest month in Aurora?
- December usually delivers the coldest temperatures, averaging about 32°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Aurora?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-April, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Aurora get?
- Aurora experiences about 38 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Aurora?
- Aurora's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; the USDA's online lookup using the city ZIP provides the current zone designation.
Climate
Aurora, Colorado experiences a hot desert climate zone. Temperatures hover near 32°F during January while July averages 75°F, creating a 43°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation reaches about 15 inches across roughly 38 rainy days throughout the year.
Geography drives Aurora's weather patterns through latitude (39.7°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These factors determine what plants thrive, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.