Right now, if you look at the sensors, the temperature in Colorado Springs is sitting at a crisp 17°F. Honestly, that sounds freezing, right? But here is the thing about this town—the numbers on your phone screen are kind of a lie. Because of the insane 59% humidity and the north wind blowing at about 7 mph, the "feels like" is actually down to 9°F.
Welcome to the high desert.
If you’ve never been here, you probably think we’re buried in snow half the year. Basically, people assume it’s like Hoth from Star Wars. It’s not. We get these weird "Chinook" winds that can jump the temperature by thirty degrees in an afternoon. You’ll see people wearing shorts when it’s 40 degrees out because, with the sun hitting you at 6,035 feet, it feels like a literal heating lamp is hovering over your head.
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The Reality of Winter in the Springs
Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026, and we’re looking at a high of 31°F. That’s pretty standard for January, which usually fights for the title of the coldest month along with December. The low tonight is dropping to 14°F. If you’re planning on being out, you basically need to dress like an onion. Layers are the only way to survive.
You’ve got to understand the geography to understand the weather here. We aren't just "in the mountains." We are at the foot of Pikes Peak. That giant 14,115-foot granite wall to our west does weird things to the clouds. It’s called the rain shadow effect. Often, the clouds just dump all their moisture on the mountains and we stay dry and sunny. We get about 300 days of sunshine a year, which is why everyone here is so obsessed with hiking even when it’s technically "winter."
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The historical data is actually wild. Back in 1951, it hit -27°F. Can you imagine? On the flip side, the record high for January is 73°F. That is a nearly 100-degree swing for the same month across different years. This is why local meteorologists have the hardest jobs in the world.
Why the Temperature in Colorado Springs Changes Every Hour
If you're visiting, don't trust the daily average. The average high in July is 84°F, but that doesn't account for the 3:00 PM thunderstorm. Almost every summer afternoon, the heat builds up, the mountain air pushes it high into the atmosphere, and you get a localized monsoon. It’ll drop twenty degrees in ten minutes, pelt you with hail the size of marbles, and then the sun comes back out like nothing happened.
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- Spring (March–May): This is actually our snowiest time. People think January is the big snow month, but March is the real king. You’ll get a 60-degree day followed by 10 inches of heavy, wet slush.
- Summer (June–August): It’s dry. Really dry. The humidity is usually so low that you don't sweat—it just evaporates. But watch out for the UV index. At this altitude, you’ll burn in about fifteen minutes without sunscreen.
- Fall (September–October): This is the "sweet spot." The temperature in Colorado Springs settles into this perfect 60-to-70-degree range. The Aspens turn gold up in the mountains, and the air gets super clear.
How to Actually Pack for This Place
Seriously, throw away the heavy parka unless you’re going up the mountain. If you are just hanging out at Garden of the Gods or downtown, you need a windbreaker, a solid hoodie, and a t-shirt. You will likely wear all three of them before lunch.
The wind is the real killer here. Today, it’s coming from the north, which brings that Canadian chill down the front range. If it flips and comes from the west, it’s coming over the mountains and warming up as it drops in elevation. We call those "Snow Eaters."
The Temperature in Colorado Springs: Actionable Tips for Travelers
Stop checking the thermometer and start checking the wind speed and sky condition. A cloudy 40-degree day here is miserable. A sunny 25-degree day is actually quite nice for a walk.
- Hydrate more than you think. The air is semi-arid. High altitude plus low temperature dries out your skin and lungs before you realize it.
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Even today, with it being partly sunny and 17°F, that high-altitude sun is hitting your face with way more intensity than it would at sea level.
- Check the Pikes Peak webcam. If you’re planning to drive up the highway, the temperature in Colorado Springs might be 30, but it could be 5 degrees and blowing 50 mph at the summit.
- Don't leave your dog in the car. Even when it’s "cool" out, the sun is so strong it can turn a car into an oven in minutes.
Basically, Colorado Springs weather is a mood. It’s inconsistent, slightly dramatic, and always sunny even when it’s cold. Just keep a jacket in the trunk and you’ll be fine.