The climate of Fort Collins
Fort Collins situates in the northern part of the state of
Colorado, USA and boasts a Mid-latitude steppe, classified as BSk in the Köppen climate system. Weather conditions display a sharp contrast in temperatures throughout the year, with a peak of 82.9°F (28.3°C) in
July and a trough of 19.4°F (-7°C) in
February.
Variations in weather parameters over the year manifest in diverse ways. In terms of rainfall, yearly distribution reveals an augmented pattern towards
May with a monthly average of 1.5" (38mm), then declines to its lowest point of 0.12" (3mm) in
January. There are noticeable snowfall chances from
December to
April, with
March seeing the most at 3.27" (83mm). Conversely, zero snowfalls get logged between May to
November.
Concerning daylight hours,
June provides the most extended day length with 15 hours while December offers the least with 9.3 hours. Amount of sunshine coincides with the daylight hours, tackling its maximum in June at 11.8 hours and bottoming out in December at 6.9 hours. Monthly UV index peaks at 6 in July, bending down to 2 from November to February.
Noticeable patterns include the highest relative humidity of 67% in February and low levels dropping to 45% during the summer months. The highest average wind speeds are seen in April at 7.6mph (12.2km/h), while the lowest speeds occur in
August at 5.6mph (9km/h).
The best time to visit Fort Collins
Observing climatic factors, the ideal visiting period extends from
May to
September. During these months, the city experiences moderate to high temperatures, transitioning from 63.3°F (17.4°C) to 82.9°F (28.3°C). Although
July is the warmest month, it also heralds the highest average rainfall at 1.38" (35mm) spread across 14.6 days. From a traveler's perspective, fewer rainy days coupled with moderate temperatures makes May and September more appealing.
The worst time to visit Fort Collins
On the opposite end, winter months from
December to
February show the harshest weather conditions. The average minimum temperature slinks down to 18.7°F (-7.4°C) in December. Those months also intensify the chance of snowfall with
January witnessing up to 2.56" (65mm) of snow spread over 4.3 days. Visitors may be discouraged by the short daylight hours, averaging from 9.3 hours to 10.7 hours, and low sunshine duration, averaging from 6.9 hours to 7 hours.
Spring weather in Fort Collins
Spring appears in
Fort Collins from
March to
May, witnessing a gradual rise in temperatures from 48.4°F (9.1°C) to 63.3°F (17.4°C). It is the season with the highest rainfall, seeing up to 1.5" (38mm) in May. The city gets sunlight for a considerable duration, from 12 hours to 14.5 hours, with sunshine hours increasing from 8.9 hours to 10.8 hours. It also marks the transition from snowfall months, with March seeing 2.2" (56mm) of snow over 2.3 days.
Summer weather in Fort Collins
June to
August represent summer months, bringing temperatures ranging from 78.3°F (25.7°C) to 82.9°F (28.3°C). These months accommodate the lengthiest daylight hours, extending from 14.7 hours to 15 hours, and ample sunshine ranging from 11.7 hours to 11.8 hours. Although generally dry,
July sees the highest rainfall of the season at 1.38" (35mm), spanning over 14.6 days. Importantly, there's no logged snowfall during this season.
Autumn weather in Fort Collins
Autumn witnesses a decline in temperatures, from 74.5°F (23.6°C) in
September to 46.9°F (8.3°C) in
November. The amount of sunlight reduces gradually from 12.4 hours to 9.9 hours, and so does sunshine duration from 11 hours to 7.2 hours. Although rainfall decreases steadily across these months, November sees slight snowfall, amounting to 2.48" (63mm) over 2.4 days.
Winter weather in Fort Collins
Winter commences in
December, featuring cold temperatures, short daylight hours, and increased snow chances. The average high temperature falls from 36.1°F (2.3°C) in December to 37.8°F (3.2°C) in
February. December logs just 9.3 hours of daylight, the lowest in the year. Snowfall can reach up to 2.56" (65mm) in
January, spanning over 4.3 days. The region also welcomes a high UV index of 2 across these months, placing winter as a season with diverse weather parameters.
Weather in January
January, in
Fort Collins,
Colorado, is the coldest month of the year with the peak temperatures peaking no more than 37.9°F (3.3°C), while the lowest recorded temperature is a chilling 20.3°F (-6.5°C). Snow is a common sight in this month, blanketing the town in a beautiful white layer.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
February, the weather remains cold in
Fort Collins, although it is marginally warmer than
January. This period features 2.56" (65mm) of snowfall, continuing the winter trend observed previously. However, the snowfall is slightly less when compared to the following month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signals the beginning of warmer temperatures and more sunshine in
Fort Collins. The peak temperature rises to a pleasant 48.4°F (9.1°C), offering a reprieve from the previous months of winter chill. Rainfall reaches a new annual high with 0.51" (13mm) over approximately four days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April, in
Fort Collins, welcomes an appreciable increase in temperature with highs reaching up to 54.5°F (12.5°C). Despite having more rainfall than
March, with a record of 0.75" (19mm), landscape views in Fort Collins are more vibrant with the budding of flowers.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May witnesses a significant rise in warmth and humidity. With the highest temperature soaring to 63.3°F (17.4°C), spring is in full swing in
Fort Collins during May. The weather in this month follows a relatively high precipitation trend, recording 1.5" (38mm) of rainfall.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The advent of summer in
June brings a surge in temperature reaching around 78.3°F (25.7°C). This month is characterized by a decrease in humidity and the absence of snowfall. It is an ideal moment for taking part in outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
Fort Collins,
July marks the zenith of summer with the highest annual average temperature, peaking at 82.9°F (28.3°C). Weather is consistently hot throughout the month, beating
June’s average temperature. Despite the heated conditions, there's no lower likelihood of rainfall.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August continues the warmth trend of
July with temperatures hovering around 81.5°F (27.5°C) during the day. This epitomizes the summer season in
Fort Collins. Although there is a slight dip in temperature, the weather continues to promote enjoyment of outdoor activities.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Fort Collins brings a noticeable drop in temperature, to a mild 74.5°F (23.6°C), indicating the onset of the fall season. This month marks the transition from the peak summer heat to a much cooler autumn climate.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October, the weather in
Fort Collins shifts towards a cooler trend with decreasing temperatures and increasing rainfall. The chilly breeze and the decreased daylight hours herald the onset of winter. Outdoor activities gradually dwindle, and locals start preparing for winter.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November sees a substantial decrease in temperature in
Fort Collins, with average highs dropping down to 46.9°F (8.3°C). Snowfall marks its presence with an average of 2.48" (63mm). The landscape morphs, donning a white blanket of snow.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December is characterized by the return of the cold winter weather in
Fort Collins. The average maximum temperature decreases to 36.1°F (2.3°C), while the minimum plunges to a frigid 18.7°F (-7.4°C); this denotes the year's end on a chilly note.
Weather in December »