Fort Collins, CO Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Fort Collins
Fort Collins has a semi-arid climate, marked by big day-to-night temperature swings and modest rainfall. Average daytime highs range from about 38°F (4°C) in January to around 87°F (31°C) in July, and the city records roughly 74 days of measurable precipitation a year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 87°F (31°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 38°F (4°C)
- Record high: 100°F (38°C) · Record low: -28°F (-33°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: May (13 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (12.9 h sun/day)
- Climate type: semi-arid - big day-to-night temperature swings and modest rainfall
- Snow: about 23 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 87°F (31°C) and overnight lows stay near 61°F (16°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 38°F (4°C) and lows around 16°F (-9°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 100°F (38°C) and dropped as low as -28°F (-33°C).
Rain, sun and snow
May is usually the wettest month. It brings about 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain over 13 days, while January is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 12.9 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 23 days in a typical year, mostly from October through May.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 38° | 16° | 4 | 0.6 in | 7.9 h/day | 63% |
| February | 41° | 17° | 5 | 0.9 in | 8.9 h/day | 59% |
| March | 51° | 25° | 6 | 1.6 in | 9.8 h/day | 58% |
| April | 60° | 33° | 8 | 1.9 in | 10.6 h/day | 52% |
| May | 67° | 43° | 13 | 4.1 in | 11.1 h/day | 62% |
| June | 81° | 55° | 8 | 1.8 in | 12.8 h/day | 54% |
| July | 87° | 61° | 6 | 1.3 in | 12.9 h/day | 51% |
| August | 85° | 59° | 6 | 1.0 in | 12.2 h/day | 51% |
| September | 80° | 53° | 4 | 0.7 in | 11.0 h/day | 47% |
| October | 64° | 39° | 5 | 0.9 in | 9.4 h/day | 53% |
| November | 50° | 28° | 5 | 0.8 in | 8.5 h/day | 59% |
| December | 40° | 20° | 4 | 0.6 in | 7.6 h/day | 59% |
Fort Collins month by month
Fort Collins weather in January
January brings highs around 38°F (4°C), lows near 16°F (-9°C), about 4 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days - typically the coldest month and the driest month of the year in Fort Collins.
Fort Collins weather in February
February brings highs around 41°F (5°C), lows near 17°F (-8°C), about 5 wet days and roughly 4 snowy days.
Fort Collins weather in March
March brings highs around 51°F (11°C), lows near 25°F (-4°C), about 6 wet days and roughly 4 snowy days.
Fort Collins weather in April
April brings highs around 60°F (16°C), lows near 33°F (1°C), about 8 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days.
Fort Collins weather in May
May brings highs around 67°F (19°C), lows near 43°F (6°C), about 13 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days - typically the wettest month of the year in Fort Collins.
Fort Collins weather in June
June brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 55°F (13°C), about 8 wet days.
Fort Collins weather in July
July brings highs around 87°F (31°C), lows near 61°F (16°C), about 6 wet days - typically the hottest month and the sunniest month of the year in Fort Collins.
Fort Collins weather in August
August brings highs around 85°F (30°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 6 wet days.
Fort Collins weather in September
September brings highs around 80°F (27°C), lows near 53°F (11°C), about 4 wet days.
Fort Collins weather in October
October brings highs around 64°F (18°C), lows near 39°F (4°C), about 5 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days.
Fort Collins weather in November
November brings highs around 50°F (10°C), lows near 28°F (-2°C), about 5 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days.
Fort Collins weather in December
December brings highs around 40°F (5°C), lows near 20°F (-7°C), about 4 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days.
Seasons in Fort Collins
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Fort Collins is mild, with daytime highs averaging 59°F (15°C) and nights around 34°F (1°C); expect showers on roughly 28 days across the season, plus around 8 snowy days.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Fort Collins runs hot, with daytime highs averaging 84°F (29°C) and nights around 58°F (15°C); expect showers on roughly 20 days across the season.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Fort Collins stays on the cool side of mild, with daytime highs averaging 65°F (18°C) and nights around 40°F (4°C); rain falls on about 14 days over the three months, plus around 5 snowy days.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Fort Collins is chilly, with daytime highs averaging 40°F (4°C) and nights around 18°F (-8°C); rain falls on about 13 days over the three months, plus around 10 snowy days.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Fort Collins?
Is Fort Collins hot in summer?
Is Fort Collins cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Fort Collins get in a year?
Best time to visit Fort Collins
The best time to visit Fort Collins is generally September to October and April, when temperatures are at their most comfortable before or after the peak heat. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 71°F (22°C).
Pack for Fort Collins with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a heavy insulated coat, hat and gloves for winter; rain gear if you travel around May. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 61°F (16°C).
Fort Collins temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.