Weather in Fort Collins

Stay informed about the weather conditions in Fort Collins before starting your journey. Below are current updates, detailed forecasts, and useful charts to help you plan the ideal trip.

The climate of Fort Collins can be characterised as temperate continental with semi-arid features. All four seasons are clearly distinct here, ensuring a variety of weather conditions for tourists. Thanks to its location in the foothills, the city often delights visitors with sunny days and low humidity; however, travellers should be prepared for noticeable temperature fluctuations throughout the year.

Summer in Fort Collins is warm and comfortable: in July and August, daytime temperatures often rise to 28–29°C, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Winter, on the other hand, can be quite cold and frosty. In January and February, average temperatures stay below freezing, and night-time readings can drop to -9°C. The transitional seasons — spring and autumn — are generally mild, but the weather during these times can be changeable.

An interesting feature of the local climate is the distribution of precipitation. According to statistics, the "wettest" period in terms of days with precipitation is late spring and early summer: in May and June, it can rain for up to 14–16 days a month. Nevertheless, the total volume of moisture remains small, so prolonged downpours are rare here. Tourists are advised to bring layered clothing to easily adapt to cool evenings even during the warm season.

The climate in Fort Collins is characterised by distinct seasonality with noticeable temperature fluctuations throughout the year. According to statistics, the coldest month is February, when the average temperature is around -2.8°C, and night-time frosts can reach -9.5°C. Conversely, the peak of heat occurs in July: in the middle of summer, the average temperature holds at 21.5°C, making this period the most popular for visiting.

Summer in the city is usually warm and sunny. In June, July, and August, daytime maximums confidently rise to 25°C–29°C. A characteristic feature of the local climate is the significant difference between day and night temperatures. Even in the hottest month, July, the midday heat is followed by a refreshing night when the air cools down to 13–14°C. Such a difference makes the evenings comfortable and allows for a rest from the daytime heat.

Winter here is frosty, but not extremely severe during daylight hours. Although at night in January and February the thermometer drops to -8°C...-9°C, during the day the temperature often rises above freezing, reaching 4°C. Spring and autumn serve as periods of smooth transition: in April and October, cool weather sets in with average values from 6°C to 9°C, while nights in these months can still be cold, with temperatures around zero or slightly above.

Precipitation in Fort Collins is distributed unevenly throughout the year, creating distinct seasonal differences. The winter period, lasting from November to February, is characterised by sub-zero temperatures, so precipitation here most often falls as snow. This is the driest time of the year: for example, in January and December, only about 5 days with precipitation are recorded per month.

With the arrival of warmth, the situation changes, and spring brings a significant increase in humidity. The peak of the rainy season falls in May, which holds the record for the frequency of precipitation — averaging about 16 rainy days. Spring and early summer rains help nature bloom, but tourists should keep an umbrella handy during this time.

In summer, especially in June and July, precipitation is still frequent (about 14 days a month), but due to high temperatures, it often takes the form of short-lived downpours or thunderstorms. By early autumn, the weather becomes more stable and dry: already in September and October, the number of days with precipitation decreases sharply, giving way to clear and cool days before the onset of winter.

When packing for Fort Collins, it is important to remember the variability of the local weather, so the best strategy is the principle of layering in clothing. Winters here are frosty, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, so you will definitely need a warm jacket or down coat, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Spring arrives gradually, and during this period, especially in May, the number of rainy days increases, so a waterproof windbreaker and waterproof shoes will become indispensable items in your wardrobe.

Summer in the city is usually warm and pleasant, with daytime temperatures reaching +29°C, which is ideal for light clothing made of natural fabrics, T-shirts, and shorts. However, even in the hottest months, such as July, evenings can bring coolness, so we recommend bringing a light sweater or hoodie. In autumn, the temperature gradually decreases, and while a light jacket is still comfortable in September, by November it is worth preparing warmer clothes.

Regardless of the season, put comfortable flat shoes in your suitcase, as you will surely want to do a lot of walking. Considering that precipitation is possible even in summer, a compact umbrella or a light raincoat will not take up much space but can be very useful. Also, do not forget sunscreen and sunglasses: clear days are not uncommon here, and UV protection is important at any time of the year.