You're planning a trip to the base of Pikes Peak. Maybe you're looking at the calendar and seeing March, thinking "springtime flowers and light sweaters."
Stop right there.
If you expect a gentle transition into spring, you haven't met the weather Colorado Springs March throws at visitors. Honestly, it's the most schizophrenic month in the Rockies. One morning you're drinking coffee on a sun-drenched patio in a t-shirt, and by 4:00 PM, you’re shoveling ten inches of heavy, wet "heart attack" snow off your rental car.
It’s wild.
The Snowiest Month You Didn't Expect
Most people think January or February takes the crown for snow. They're wrong. According to decades of data from the National Weather Service, March is statistically the snowiest month of the year for the Front Range. While January brings that dry, powdery "champagne" snow that skiers love, March brings the "slop."
We're talking about heavy, moisture-laden storms.
The average snowfall for March in the Springs is roughly 8.1 to 8.7 inches, depending on which climate station you track. But averages are liars. You might get zero inches three years in a row, then get slammed by a 2019-style "Bomb Cyclone" that shuts down I-25 for two days.
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Why does this happen? Basically, the atmosphere is starting to wake up. You have cold Arctic air clashing with increasing moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. When those two meet over the 6,035-foot elevation of Colorado Springs, the sky basically unloads.
Real Talk on Temperatures
The thermometer is a roller coaster. You'll see:
- Average Highs: Around 52°F to 54°F.
- Average Lows: Bracing at 26°F to 28°F.
- The Reality: A 40-degree swing in a single afternoon is standard procedure.
Why the "Spring" Label is a Trap
If you visit Garden of the Gods in mid-March, don't expect green grass. The landscape is still mostly dormant brown. The "spring" part of weather Colorado Springs March is mostly found in the intensity of the sun.
Because of the high altitude, the sun hits different here.
At 6,000+ feet, the atmosphere is thinner. That 50-degree day feels like 65 degrees if you’re standing in direct sunlight. But the second a cloud passes over the sun? You’ll feel the temperature drop 10 degrees instantly. It’s why locals have a weird relationship with their closets.
Survival Gear: Packing for the Inevitable
Forget a "spring wardrobe." You need a tactical kit.
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If you show up with just a windbreaker, you're going to have a bad time. You've gotta think in layers. Start with a moisture-wicking base. Add a fleece or a "puffer" jacket. Top it with something waterproof.
And for the love of everything holy, bring sunglasses.
The glare from the sun hitting fresh March snow is blinding. It’s not just about looking cool; it’s about literal eye safety. Also, the air is incredibly dry. Your skin will crack, and you’ll get a "high altitude headache" if you don’t double your water intake.
- Footwear: Hiking boots with traction. Sneakers turn into sponges in March slush.
- Sunscreen: You will burn in 20 minutes, even if it's 30 degrees out.
- Lip Balm: Buy the heavy-duty stuff.
Driving in the Chaos
March is when "the Gap" (the stretch of I-25 between Castle Rock and the Springs) becomes a graveyard for cars.
When a March storm hits, the visibility drops to zero. This isn't dramatic flair; it’s a fact. The wind gusts off the plains can hit 50+ mph, creating whiteout conditions even if it's only snowing an inch an hour. If the forecast mentions a "closed low" or a "upslope flow," just stay at the hotel.
Check the CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation) website religiously. They aren't joking about the traction laws.
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The Upside: Why March is Actually Great
Despite the threat of a blizzard, March is a fantastic time for the budget-conscious traveler.
The summer crowds haven't arrived. You can actually find a parking spot at the Manitou Incline or Garden of the Gods without getting there at 5:00 AM. If it is a sunny day, the air is crisp and the views of Pikes Peak—heavily capped in white—are the best they’ll be all year.
It’s also "Mud Season" for the ski resorts. While the towns might be messy, the spring skiing conditions are often at their peak. You can drive 2.5 hours from the Springs to Monarch or Breckenridge and enjoy the best snow of the season.
Practical Steps for Your March Visit
- Book a 4WD or AWD rental: Don't risk a front-wheel-drive sedan if you plan on heading into the mountains.
- Check the "Pikes Peak Cog Railway" schedule: It runs in March, but clear tracks are required. It’s a gamble, but a beautiful one.
- Follow local meteorologists: Skip the national weather apps. Follow guys like Brian Bledsoe or the local NWS Pueblo office on X (Twitter). They understand the "microclimates" of the Springs better than an algorithm.
- Hydrate starting 48 hours before you arrive: It helps with the altitude adjustment when the dry March winds start blowing.
Basically, respect the mountain. March in Colorado Springs isn't a season; it's a mood. If you're flexible and prepared for three seasons in one day, you'll love it. If you're looking for predictable sunshine, maybe wait until June.
Grab a sturdy pair of waterproof boots and a heavy coat, but keep your shorts in the suitcase just in case. You’ll probably use both.