Weather in Colorado Springs, Colorado
High country wildflowers peak. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast—77°53°
- SundayMay 17Light Drizzle16%73°50°
- MondayMay 18Overcast82%60°36°
- TuesdayMay 19Overcast59%57°34°
- WednesdayMay 20Drizzle67%66°43°
- ThursdayMay 21Drizzle67%62°46°
- FridayMay 22Light Drizzle36%65°45°
- PM 2.5
- 1.6 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 2.3 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 2.3 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 116.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 11:54 AM
- Moonset
- 2:37 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
High country wildflowers peak
Colorado Springs at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 10°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 9 (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 Colorado Springs its warmest temperatures at around 72°F mean, while December delivers the coldest at approximately 32°F. Precipitation follows a different pattern, with July receiving the most rainfall at 3.1 inches and December seeing only 0.2 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32° | 0.3″ | 1 |
| February | 33° | 0.3″ | 1 |
| March | 41° | 0.8″ | 2 |
| April | 48° | 1.4″ | 4 |
| May | 57° | 2.0″ | 5 |
| June | 67° | 2.3″ | 4 |
| July | 72° | 3.1″ | 6 |
| August | 70° | 3.0″ | 6 |
| September | 63° | 1.4″ | 3 |
| October | 51° | 0.8″ | 2 |
| November | 40° | 0.4″ | 1 |
| December | 32° | 0.2″ | 1 |
Regional context
Colorado Springs falls within a hot desert climate region, sharing temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with other nearby cities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: Denver, CO, Aurora, CO, Lakewood, CO, Thornton, CO, Grand Junction, CO.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the return of broad-tailed hummingbirds to Colorado Springs, their distinctive wing trills announcing the start of their breeding season.
Gambel oak leaves typically begin their emergence in early May, marking the transition from the dry spring months to the approaching summer growing season.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Colorado Springs?
- The last spring frost in Colorado Springs typically occurs around mid-April, while the first fall frost usually arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Colorado Springs?
- July receives the most precipitation with approximately 3.1 inches of rain on average, contributing to the city's annual total of roughly 16 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Colorado Springs?
- July typically records the highest temperatures, with averages around 72°F.
- What is the coldest month in Colorado Springs?
- December usually brings the coldest temperatures, averaging about 32°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Colorado Springs?
- 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 1–2 weeks after that date.
- How many rainy days does Colorado Springs get?
- Colorado Springs experiences approximately 37 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Colorado Springs?
- Colorado Springs's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; the USDA's online lookup tool using the city ZIP code will provide the current zone designation.
Climate
Colorado Springs, Colorado experiences a hot desert climate zone. Winter temperatures in January typically hover near 32°F, while July brings averages around 72°F — creating a 41°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 16 inches across roughly 37 rainy days throughout the year.
Weather patterns here depend on the city's latitude at 38.9°N, its proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These factors determine what grows locally, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.