Colorado in March is a month where the tail end of winter collides with the first hints of spring. The weather is notoriously unpredictable, shifting rapidly between brilliant sunshine and intense snowstorms. Conditions vary wildly depending on the region due to the complex interplay of geography and altitude. This highly variable climate requires flexible planning and preparation for both mild and severe winter conditions.
The Volatile Nature of March Weather
The intense variability of March weather is due to a powerful collision of air masses across the state. As the Northern Hemisphere shifts into spring, the boundary between very cold Arctic air and warmer, moisture-laden air from the south frequently stalls over Colorado. This setup often results in the formation of strong low-pressure systems, which can rapidly intensify and lead to major weather events.
This dynamic atmosphere is responsible for the phenomenon often referred to as “Spring Blizzards,” characterized by heavy, wet snowfall and high winds. Temperature swings can be extreme, with daily highs sometimes dropping 20 degrees Fahrenheit or more in a matter of hours following a cold front’s passage. Denver is highly susceptible to these intense storms.
Climate Differences by Altitude and Region
The state is divided into distinct climatic zones. The Front Range and Plains region, including cities like Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, sees average high temperatures in the mid-50s Fahrenheit and lows in the upper 20s. Although this area experiences significant March snowstorms, higher daytime temperatures often cause rapid melting, resulting in a mix of slush and bare ground.
Conditions are different in the High Country and Ski Resorts, such as Vail and Aspen, where winter remains firmly established. Due to their elevation, these mountain regions maintain average March highs in the low to mid-40s and overnight lows that can dip into the single digits or teens. The persistent cold preserves the snowpack, ensuring excellent winter sports conditions. The Western Slope, including Grand Junction, presents a milder picture with average high temperatures steadily rising from the low 50s to the low 60s throughout March.
March Snowfall and Ski Conditions
March is often recorded as the snowiest month for many of Colorado’s mountain ranges, which is counterintuitive to the typical idea of spring. This significant accumulation occurs because warmer air, common in March, holds substantially more moisture than the frigid air of mid-winter. When this moisture-rich air meets the persistent cold at high elevations, it leads to the heavy, dense snow that characterizes major March storms.
This heavy snowfall creates prime conditions for spring skiing, providing a deep snow base softened by the strong March sun, often referred to as “bluebird days.” However, this abundance of precipitation creates logistical challenges for travelers. Major interstate corridors, notably Interstate 70 through the mountains, are frequently subject to safety closures due to heavy snow, high winds, or avalanche mitigation work. Travelers must be prepared for potential delays and possess vehicles equipped with traction devices to navigate mountain roads during these intense storms.