Learn About Colorado's Climate

There are so many variables that make the climate of Colorado exciting to study and challenging to predict! Being located in the middle latitudes is ideal for experiencing active weather patterns year-round. Colorado's interior continental location, combined with complex topography, results in dramatic climate differences from place to place and from year to year. Colorado is also known as a "Headwater" state - with some of the highest elevations in the United States located near and along the Continental Divide, waters for 4 major river basins begin within our borders! Combine all these complicated factors, and a fascinating and diverse climate for each corner of the state emerges.

Colorado's Climate at a Glance

Explore interactive maps and tools to see how Colorado's temperature and precipitation has been changing since 1895, using NOAA data.

Monthly Climate Summary

View the most recent monthly "state of the climate" summary for Colorado here.

Severe Weather Climatology

Look through the historical database of severe weather in Colorado, including tornado tracks, hail and high wind events. Check out the interactive map, or look at charts to see when severe weather happens throughout the year.

Colorado Wine Grapes

We've been researching the viability of growing wine grapes in Colorado's climate. Get our results here.

Climate Smart Agriculture

Check here for resources to help you better prepare your crop and grazing lands in Colorado's changing climate.

Climate Description

Everything you need to know about Colorado's climate is here, in this comprehensive text description.

El Niño-Southern Oscillation

Better known to the general public as El Niño, ENSO is an oceanic and atmospheric pattern (with a 2 to 7 year cycle) that can affect climate variability around the globe. Learn how ENSO can impact Colorado's weather, and get the latest ENSO updates.