Climate and monthly weather forecastTelluride, CO

The climate of Telluride

Nestled in Colorado, USA, Telluride experiences a Subarctic climate based on the Köppen climate classification. With a chilled winter, no dry season, and a pleasantly cool summer, the climate characterizes the Dfc predominant climate zone.

Annual shifts are discernible in temperature, humidity, rainfall, snowfall, daylight, sunshine, ultraviolet index, visibility, cloud cover, pressure, and wind. On average, the highest temperatures prevail from 50°F (10°C) to 66.7°F (19.3°C) between May and July, while the lowest temperatures register from 4.3°F (-15.4°C) to 6.8°F (-14°C) in January and February.

A swing in humidity also occurs, lowest in June at 45%, and peaks at 86% in the depths of February. Unexpectedly, August brings the highest rainfall at 4.02" (102mm), while June brings merely 1.3" (33mm). The maximum recorded snowfall is 19.88" (505mm) in March, with zero snowfall in July. Maximum daylight hours occur from May to July, varying from 14.2 hours to 14.8 hours.

Unusual weather patterns emerge, such as a maximum UV index in summer, although the visibility remains constant at 6 miles from April through to November, reducing slightly during the winter months. Cloud coverage is at its least in September at 17%, increasing to a peak of 42% in February. Atmospheric pressure fluctuates marginally throughout the year, ranging between 29.92" (760mm) in April and 30.23" (768mm) in January.

The best time to visit Telluride

Judging by the climatic conditions over the year, the best period to visit Telluride is the summer, specifically between May and July. These months exhibit the highest temperatures, ranging from 50°F (10°C) in May, warming to 66.7°F (19.3°C) in July. The daylight hours tend to be longer, varying from 14.2 hours to 14.8 hours, offering visitors ample time to explore.

In addition, temperatures couple with the highest sunshine hours, reaching up to 11.8 hours in June. The ultraviolet index jumps to four, so protection against the UV rays is crucial during this period.

The worst time to visit Telluride

The winter months, particularly January and February, mark the harshest period of the year in Telluride. These months record the lowest temperatures, falling to 4.3°F (-15.4°C) and 6.8°F (-14°C) respectively. The daylight hours diminish, recording an average of 9.9 hours and 10.8 hours. The amount of sunshine also dips to its lowest, standing at 5.9 hours and 6 hours respectively.

The winter season yields a significantly high amount of snowfall, making it a challenging time for visitors. January sees 16.14" (410mm) of snowfall while February records an even higher rate, amounting to 19.06" (484mm).

Spring weather in Telluride

Springtime in Telluride commences in March with a slow decline in snowfall and a steady rise in temperature throughout the season. The temperatures vary between 32.9°F (0.5°C) and 18.3°F (-7.6°C) over this period. Relative humidity drops roundly, moving from 83% in March to 62% by May.

Rainfall is variable, with a peak of 2.48" (63mm) in March, decreasing to 1.81" (46mm) in April, then rising again to 2.2" (56mm) in May. Snowfall days decrease from 15.9 days to 2.3 days. Daylight hours and sunshine situation improves, with daylight extending from 12 hours to 14.2 hours, and sunshine hours increasing from 7.9 hours to 10.9 hours across the season.

Summer weather in Telluride

Summer weather in Telluride is pleasant, with temperatures climbing as high as 66.7°F (19.3°C) in July from 50°F (10°C) in May. Relative humidity drops to its lowest at 45% in June before rising to 61% by July. Rainfall fluctuates, with June experiencing the lowest at 1.3" (33mm) and July having the highest rainfall of the year at 4.02" (102mm).

Sunlight is abundant, with up to 14.8 hours of daylight in June and nearly 11.8 hours of sunshine. The UV index is also at its peak during these months, urging visitors to equip themselves with adequate sun protection.

Autumn weather in Telluride

Autumn brings a decrease in temperature, with figures slipping from 59.4°F (15.2°C) in September to 35.1°F (1.7°C) in November. Humidity remains relatively constant around 61%. Rainfall diminishes from September's 1.69" (43mm) to November's 1.69" (43mm). The snowfall, however, witnesses an upward shift, increasing from 2.2" (56mm) in September to 13.82" (351mm) in November.

Daylight hours and sunshine decline from 12.4 hours and 10.7 hours respectively in September to 10.1 hours and 6.8 hours respectively by November. The UV index drops to two.

Winter weather in Telluride

Winter in Telluride is severe, with temperatures dropping to 4.3°F (-15.4°C) in January from 25.7°F (-3.5°C) in December. Humidity swells to 84% and 86% in December and February. There is a marked increase in snowfall amounting to 16.14" (410mm) in December, 19.06" (484mm) in January, and peaking at 19.88" (505mm) in February.

Daylight hours are at their shortest, dwindling from 9.9 hours in December to 9.6 hours in February. The shortest sunshine duration is recorded, reducing to 5.8 hours in February. The UV index falls to the minimum, and due to consistent snowfall, it is the peak season for winter sports.

Weather in January

The weather in Telluride, Colorado is on a winter palette during January. Icy chills dominate the scene as temperatures remain low and snowfall is abundant. With 16.14" (410mm) of snowfall, cold winds, and a consistent 4mph (6.4km/h) wind speed, it’s a winter wonderland. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February provides a continuation of winter conditions in Telluride, Colorado, albeit with a marked rise in both the snowfall at 19.06" (484mm) and wind speeds averaging 5.8mph (9.3km/h). The lower temperatures linger, generating frosty mornings and snowy landscapes. Weather in February »

Weather in March

With the advent of spring, March in Telluride, Colorado sees a notable difference from February's chilly weather. There’s still an abundance of snowfall at 19.88" (505mm) and significant cloud cover, leading to shorter daylight hours. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in Telluride, Colorado is a month of transformation, as winter yields to the milder temperatures of spring. The weather conditions start to transition from a wintry mix to more consistent spring patterns, with the snowfall reducing to 13.03" (331mm). Weather in April »

Weather in May

May marks the onset of warmer and clearer weather in Telluride, Colorado. The landscape starts coming alive with vivid colors of spring, as temperatures rise and the winter chill subsides. The reduced snowfall of 11.81" (300mm) is usually the final snowfall of the season. Weather in May »

Weather in June

In Telluride, Colorado, June is the gateway to summer with consistently higher temperatures and longer days. The city is a mélange of natural beauty as the snow-covered peaks transition to lush green mountainsides. With only 2.17" (55mm) of snowfall, winter definitely recedes and makes way for sunny days and delightful weather. June brings a temperature increase, with average high-temperatures moving from May's fresh 50°F (10°C) to a comfortable 64°F (17.8°C). Weather in June »

Weather in July

July is the heart of summer in Telluride, Colorado with the warmest weather of the year recorded. Although still mild by some standards, the landscape is vibrant with nature showcasing its luscious green beautiful side. With an almost non-existent snowfall of 0.12" (3mm), July promises pleasant weather conditions and encourages outdoor activities. July, recognised by an average high temperature of 66.7°F (19.3°C) and a low of 43.3°F (6.3°C), is Telluride's warmest month. Weather in July »

Weather in August

In August, Telluride, Colorado still experiences pleasant summer weather. The slight dip in temperature from July is hardly noticeable, and the rich natural beauty of the city remains on display. A slight increase in rainfall contributes to the 0.16" (4mm) of snowfall, providing a refreshing respite from the warm summer days. The beginning of August records an average high-temperature of a still enjoyable 65.1°F (18.4°C), almost echoing the conditions of the previous month. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September brings a gentle shift in Telluride, Colorado as the vibrant summer gives way to the colors of fall. The significant drop in snowfall to 2.2" (56mm) signifies the end of the brief summer season. Weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, offering a blend of bright sunny days and cooler nights. September signifies a gentle decline in Telluride's average high-temperature, easing from a comfortable 65.1°F (18.4°C) in August to a mild 59.4°F (15.2°C). Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Telluride, Colorado claims a distinctive aura as autumn sets in. With 7.28" (185mm) of snowfall, a cool breeze, falling leaves, and shorter days, the weather starts gearing up for winter. This month signifies the changing seasons with a vibrant array of fall colors lining the streets and mountainsides. As September shifts into October, a slight alteration in temperatures is observed, with average highs reducing from a moderate 59.4°F (15.2°C) to a frosty 46°F (7.8°C). Weather in October »

Weather in November

November heralds the advent of winter in Telluride, Colorado, with a notable drop in temperatures. The landscape begins to transition to winter with 13.82" (351mm) of snowfall, suggesting that the colder months are around the corner. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Closing the year, December in Telluride, Colorado brings a full swing of winter weather along with its holiday cheer. With 18.15" (461mm) of snowfall, low temperatures, and an increased humidity level, the white winter season truly commences. Weather in December »