Colorado Weather

Colorado climate

Colorado's climate is defined by dramatic elevation changes, from the eastern plains at around 3,500 feet to over 50 peaks exceeding 14,000 feet in the Rocky Mountains. Denver, known as the Mile High City, enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year and has a semi-arid climate with low humidity. Temperature swings of 40 degrees or more in a single day are not uncommon along the Front Range.

The Rocky Mountains act as a major weather divide, creating vastly different conditions on either side. The eastern plains are part of Tornado Alley and experience severe thunderstorms with large hail during late spring and summer. Mountain areas receive heavy snowfall, with some ski resorts averaging over 300 inches of snow per season, fueling a world-class winter sports industry.

Colorado is known for its rapid and unpredictable weather changes, particularly along the Front Range where upslope storms can bring heavy snow even in April and May. Chinook winds can raise temperatures dramatically in winter, melting snow within hours. The state's high elevation means intense UV radiation year-round, and afternoon thunderstorms are a daily occurrence in the mountains during summer.