The climate of Salida
According to the Köppen climate classification,
Salida,
Colorado, USA, falls under the Dfc category characterized by a subarctic climate, severe winter, no dry season, and a cool summer. This high altitude town experiences weather fluctuations ranging from chilly cold winters to comparatively mild summers, defining a remarkable range of weather patterns throughout the year.
The tendency of temperature variations in Salida is noteworthy. High temperatures range from 31.1°F (-0.5°C) in
January to 76.1°F (24.5°C) in
July, while the minimum temperatures range from 10.6°F (-11.9°C) in January to 46.8°F (8.2°C) in July. This dynamic range speaks to the severe cold during the winters and the coolness of the summers in this subarctic region.
Rainfall in Salida shows a pattern increasing from January's 0.2" (5mm) to July's peak of 1.34" (34mm), decreasing again to 0.24" (6mm) in
December. It matches up with the rainfall days that are highest in July, totaling 13 days and descending to a mere 1.1 days in
November—representing a significant variation throughout the year. Snowfall is another defining characteristic of Salida's weather, peaking at 3.46" (88mm) in
February and nearly nonexistent from
June to
September.
Humidity, the percentage of cloud cover, wind speeds, and UV index also follow patterns specific to Salida's climate. These patterns culminate to form a unique set of weather conditions for each month—be it the highest relative humidity of 80% in January or the lower levels of 41% in June, the 29% cloud cover in January and
March or the 15% in June.
The best time to visit Salida
With considerations to weather conditions and outdoor activities, the best time to visit
Salida is during summer—specifically from
June to
August. These months offer high temperatures between 68°F (20°C) and 76.1°F (24.5°C), making it a fantastic time to enjoy outdoor activities without the severity of winter conditions. Although the rainfall increases during this period, reaching a peak of 1.34" (34mm) in
July, the number of sunshine hours is highest with around 14.8 hours in June, ensuring plenty of sunlight each day.
The worst time to visit Salida
Salida feels the bite of cold in the peak winter months from
January to
February when temperatures can drop to 10.6°F (-11.9°C). Coupled with high snowfall, this period might be challenging for visitors unaccustomed to such cold conditions or those seeking outdoor activities. That makes these months perhaps the most challenging for tourists, making it the worst time to visit Salida.
Spring weather in Salida
Spring in
Salida spans from
March to
May. During this period, there is a significant rise in temperatures, from 40.8°F (4.9°C) to 59.4°F (15.2°C) for high temperatures and 20.5°F (-6.4°C) to 31.8°F (-0.1°C) for low temperatures. The level of rainfall also starts to increase, accumulating from 0.47" (12mm) in March to 0.63" (16mm) in May. This time of the year in Salida sees the transition from snowy conditions to milder weather, perfect for dawn-to-dusk outdoor adventures.
Summer weather in Salida
June marks the commencement of summer in
Salida, which continues until
August. Temperatures in these months range from 68°F (20°C) to 76.1°F (24.5°C) at their highest and 40.6°F (4.8°C) to 46.8°F (8.2°C) at their lowest. The rainfall peaks in
July at 1.34" (34mm), but the sunshine hours also peak at 14.8 hours in June. The summer months are praised for their pleasant climate and ample daylight, allowing visitors to explore Salida and the surrounding natural beauty at its fullest.
Autumn weather in Salida
Autumn reaches
Salida from
September to
November. Maximum temperatures drop from 68°F (20°C) to 42.6°F (5.9°C) through these months, and minimum temperatures range from 40.6°F (4.8°C) to 20.1°F (-6.6°C). Rainfall retreats from 0.51" (13mm) to just 0.2" (5mm), indicating the onset of the dry season in the closing months of the year.
Winter weather in Salida
The arrival of
December marks the beginning of winter in
Salida, rolling over to
February. This period witnesses low temperatures spanning from 10.6°F (-11.9°C) to 24.8°F (-4°C), offering a chilly weather. Snowfall inches from 2.01" (51mm) in December up to 3.31" (84mm) in February, embodying the true essence of a subarctic winter. During these months, Salida transforms into a winter wonderland, appealing to those who enjoy colder climates.
Weather in January
January holds
Salida,
Colorado's utmost wintery conditions with the year's greatest relative humidity at 80%. The consecutive cold temperatures and the elevated moisture levels often culminate in falling snow, creating a picturesque winter wonderland.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Salida embraces the bone-chilling weather of
January, continuing the city's deep dive into winter. Temperatures range from 11.8°F (-11.2°C) to 32.2°F (0.1°C), supporting an average of 6.9 days of snowfall, accumulating to 3.46" (88mm) on average.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
Colorado shifts from
February to
March,
Salida experiences a change in climatic conditions. The temperatures gradually rise, and the environment begins to defrost. The snowfall lessens but does not entirely diminish, allowing March to maintain the winter charm while introducing the fresh, floral scent of imminent spring.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April hosts the commencement of spring in
Salida. The city sheds its winter skin and is reborn with a fresh vibrancy. An eclectic blend of weather conditions characterizes this transitional phase, with temperatures increasing from April to
May including the occurrence of increased rainfall.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May carries the torch of transformation sparked in
April. The increasing temperatures and decreasing snowfall from 1.73" (44mm) to 0.04" (1mm) paint
Salida with a palette of greenery and wildlife. As the days grow longer, the people of Salida have greater opportunities to engage with their beautiful surroundings.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Salida is a harbinger of summer, with the city experiencing its first flushes of the hot season. Longer days and more substantial sunlight energize this riverside town. Residents and visitors alike bask in the sunshine and enjoy outdoor activities such as rafting and hiking.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July seizes
Salida's summer and brings the heat to its peak. It has the city's highest average temperatures, soaring from 46.8°F (8.2°C) to 76.1°F (24.5°C). The long, warm days and mild, temperate nights create an excellent ambiance for enjoying various outdoor adventures and activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As
Salida rolls into
August, the city sustains its high summer temperatures. The warm days paired with slightly cooler nights present an alluring balance, which can make August an attractive time for outdoor enthusiasts. Despite carrying
July's heat, August marks the beginning of a slow transition towards fall.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Salida ushers in the fall season. The warmth of summer gives way to cooler temperatures and the incremental arrival of autumn's vibrant colors. Changing foliage and the alternating climate supply Salida with a unique charm.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Salida offers a crisp autumn experience. The once green trees gradually transform into hues of red, orange, and yellow, featuring a stunning contrast to the clear blue skies. A wistful feeling often accompanies the shorter days and longer nights.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November, the last month of the autumn in
Salida, is cold month, with an average temperature ranging between max 42.6°F (5.9°C) and min 20.1°F (-6.6°C). As
October transitions into November, Salida sees a drop in the average high-temperature, transitioning from a cool 54.9°F (12.7°C) to a cold 42.6°F (5.9°C).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings full circle to
Salida's climate dynamics, reintroducing the chilly temperatures and significant snowfall characteristic of
January. In this period, the city again prepares for its long winter rest with temperatures fluctuating from 10.6°F (-11.9°C) to 31.8°F (-0.1°C).
Weather in December »