So, you’re looking at a map of the Rockies and wondering, what’s the weather like in Colorado Springs? If you ask a local, they’ll probably laugh and tell you to wait five minutes. It’s a cliché for a reason. You can literally wake up to a blizzard, eat lunch in a t-shirt under a blazing sun, and get pelted by marble-sized hail before dinner. It’s chaotic, but honestly, that’s part of the charm.
The city sits at about 6,035 feet, right at the base of Pikes Peak. This isn't just a "mountain town" vibe; it’s a high-altitude desert climate that behaves like a moody teenager. Because of that 14,115-foot granite wall to the west, the weather here does things you won't see in Denver or Pueblo.
The Myth of the 300 Days of Sunshine
You've heard the stat. Everyone from realtors to tourism boards loves to claim Colorado gets 300 days of sunshine a year.
Is it true? Kinda.
Basically, the National Weather Service defines a "sunny day" as anything that isn't totally overcast. In Colorado Springs, the sun is intense. Like, "burn your skin in twenty minutes" intense. Because the air is thin, there’s less atmosphere to filter out those UV rays. Even when it’s 40°F out, if the sun is hitting your face, you’ll feel warm. But don't let the blue skies fool you—the moment you step into the shade, the temperature drops ten degrees instantly.
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Spring: The Season of "Second Winter"
Spring in the Springs is a lie.
March is actually the snowiest month of the year. You’ll see people getting excited because the crocuses are starting to peek out, and then—boom—twelve inches of heavy, wet "heart-attack" snow dumps on the city. This isn't the light, fluffy powder you see in ski movies. It's the thick stuff that snaps tree branches and makes your neighbor’s driveway a nightmare to shovel.
We also have this thing called "Second Winter" (and sometimes Third and Fourth). You’ll get a beautiful 70-degree week in April, you'll plant your tomatoes, and then a late May frost will kill everything you love.
- March Averages: Highs around 52°F, but expect frequent slush.
- May Vibes: Beautiful wildflowers in Garden of the Gods, but keep a parka in the trunk.
Summer and the "Thunderstorm Machine"
June is usually gorgeous—dry, mild, and perfect for hiking the Incline. But once July hits, the "Monsoon" arrives.
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Every afternoon, like clockwork around 2:00 PM, huge dark clouds build up over Pikes Peak. The wind picks up, the temperature plummets, and you get a massive downpour for about thirty minutes. Then, the clouds vanish, the sun comes back out, and it smells like wet pine and hot pavement.
One thing to watch out for: Lightning. The Pikes Peak region is a massive lightning magnet. In fact, Nikola Tesla moved here specifically to study it. If you’re hiking and the sky turns purple, get off the ridge. Seriously.
Winter is Surprisingly Mild
People from back East hear "Colorado" and think we live in an igloo.
In reality, winters in Colorado Springs are way more pleasant than in Chicago or Boston. We get "Chinook winds"—warm, dry winds that blow down the mountains and can raise the temperature from 10°F to 50°F in a few hours.
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Snow rarely stays on the ground for more than two or three days. The sun comes out, the pavement heats up, and the snow just... evaporates. You'll regularly see locals wearing shorts and hoodies in January.
The Wind (The Part Nobody Likes)
If there’s one "bad" thing about the weather here, it’s the wind. Specifically in the spring and late fall.
Because of the way air moves over the Front Range, we get "gap winds" that can reach 70 or 80 mph. It’s not uncommon to see trash cans flying down the street or semi-trucks tipped over on I-25 near Cheyenne Mountain. It’s dry, it’s loud, and it’ll give you a headache. If you’re moving here, check the fence on any house you're buying—if it’s leaning, you know why.
Real Talk on Packing and Survival
If you’re visiting or moving here, throw your "seasonal" wardrobe out the window. You need layers.
- Hydrate like it's your job. The air is bone-dry. If you aren't drinking double the water you usually do, you’ll get an altitude headache that feels like a hangover.
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Even in December.
- The "Hoodie Culture." Most locals just wear a t-shirt, a flannel, and a light puffer jacket. You can peel them off as the day heats up.
- Check the tires. If you’re driving here in winter, make sure you have AWD or at least good M+S rated tires. The hills in the Springs don't play.
Actionable Tips for Navigating the Local Climate
- Download a "Micro-local" App: General weather apps often miss the mark because the weather at the northern end of town (near the Air Force Academy) can be 10 degrees colder and snowier than the southern end (near Broadmoor). Use something that pulls from local stations.
- Planting? Wait until Mother's Day: If you’re gardening, the local rule of thumb is never to put anything in the ground before Mother's Day, and even then, keep some burlap handy for the inevitable late frost.
- Hiking Strategy: Start your mountain hikes at sunrise. You want to be back down below the treeline before the 2:00 PM lightning shows begin.
- Humidity Hack: Buy a humidifier for your bedroom immediately. Your skin, nose, and throat will thank you during those dry winter nights when the humidity drops to 10%.
The weather here isn't something you just check on your phone—it's something you participate in. It’s wild, unpredictable, and rarely boring. Just remember: if you don't like what's happening outside, just wait a few minutes. It'll change.