El Paso County Climate
El Paso County, Colorado
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
46.2°F
Annual Precip
19.7"
Annual Snowfall
84.0"
Extreme Heat Days
11
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
6a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
1,931
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: El Paso County
Climate Verdict
El Paso County has a cool, averaging 46.2°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 19.7 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 10.879999999999999 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 84.0 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are cold, with January averaging 28.2°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 67.4°F. The 39°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change. December is typically the coldest month and July the warmest.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
El Paso County closely matches the Colorado statewide average temperature of 45.9°F, it is somewhat wetter than average for Colorado, the county experiences 15.736034265558068 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.
Climate Profile
About El Paso County Weather
El Paso sits near national norm
At 46.2°F annual temperature, El Paso County nearly matches the U.S. median of 46°F, placing it in a temperate climate. With 19.7 inches of annual precipitation, the county receives about half the national average of 38.7 inches, reflecting Colorado's semi-arid climate.
Right at Colorado's temperature median
El Paso County's 46.2°F annual temperature sits virtually at Colorado's state average of 46.0°F, making it representative of the entire state. Its 19.7 inches of precipitation exceeds the state average of 16.0 inches, ranking it among the wetter Colorado counties.
Cooler than Douglas, warmer than Fremont
El Paso County is 3°F cooler than Douglas County (49.2°F) to the northeast, but 0.7°F warmer than Fremont County (47.9°F) to the south. Its precipitation level (19.7 inches) places it squarely between these neighbors, making it climatically central to the Front Range region.
Moderate winters, mild heat exposure
January averages 28.2°F and July reaches 67.4°F, with only 11 days annually exceeding 90°F—well below the state's hotter regions. The county receives 84.0 inches of snowfall annually, requiring substantial winter preparedness but less intense than higher-elevation areas.
Balanced seasons mean balanced prep
With 84 inches of annual snowfall and just 11 heat days, El Paso residents should maintain moderate snow removal capabilities and standard air conditioning. The temperate climate makes it one of Colorado's most livable regions, requiring neither extreme winter nor summer gear investments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in El Paso County?
How much rain does El Paso County get?
Does it snow in El Paso County?
How hot does El Paso County get in summer?
How cold are winters in El Paso County?
Track your own weather in El Paso County
Ambient Weather personal weather stations give you hyperlocal climate data.
Sponsored
Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.
Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.