Last updated: February 24, 2025
January in Fort Collins, United States presents a striking blend of cold and occasional dampness. With maximum temperatures reaching a mild 17°C (62°F), and dropping as low as -26°C (-14°F), the average chill settles around -1°C (30°F). The month experiences light precipitation, totaling 17 mm (0.7 in) over just 4 days, contributing to a consistently high humidity level of 84%. This combination creates a crisp winter atmosphere, influencing both daily life and outdoor activities in this vibrant city.
In January, Fort Collins experiences a stark winter chill, with minimum temperatures plummeting to a frigid -26°C (-14°F). The average temperature hovers around -1°C (30°F), providing a slight respite from the deep cold, while the maximum can reach a relatively mild 17°C (62°F), hinting at occasional warming spells. This month sets the stage for a gradual upward trend in temperatures as winter wanes. Moving into February, the minimum dips slightly to -25°C (-13°F), but the average and maximum temperatures improve to -2°C (29°F) and 24°C (75°F), respectively, suggesting a slow thaw. By March, temperatures continue their ascent, with averages climbing to 4°C (40°F) and maximums breaking into the 20s, indicating that spring is on the horizon. Overall, January's harsh cold signifies the peak of winter for the region, soon to be followed by warmer days as the seasons transition seamlessly forward.
January in Fort Collins typically sees modest precipitation, with an average of only 17 mm (0.7 in) falling over the course of about 4 days. This marks the beginning of the year when moisture levels are still relatively low compared to the following months. As winter transitions into spring, February experiences a slight uptick, leading into a notable increase in precipitation during March and April, where amounts jump to 53 mm (2.1 in) each month. This steady rise reflects a trend where late winter and early spring bring significant moisture, setting the stage for the lush growth seen in May, which records the highest monthly total at 116 mm (4.6 in). The precipitation pattern shows a clear seasonal progression, with the most rain falling during the late spring months, while winter remains defined by its drier conditions.
In January, Fort Collins experiences a notable humidity level of 84%, setting the tone for a generally moist winter. As February rolls in, humidity ticks up slightly to 85%, highlighting a period of increased dampness before the weather starts to shift. By March, a significant drop to 75% indicates a transition towards drier conditions, which continues into the spring months of April and May, where humidity levels stabilize at around 67%. This trend of lowering humidity persists, reaching a low of 62% in July, the peak of summer. As the year progresses into August and September, humidity remains consistently low, before gradually rising again in the fall months. By October, humidity increases to 72%, and eventually peaks again in December at 85%, creating a cyclical pattern of humidity that underscores Fort Collins' diverse seasonal climate.
In Fort Collins, January brings a moderate UV Index of 4, with a burn time of 30 minutes, indicating that sun exposure requires some caution but is generally safe for short durations. As the months progress, the UV Index steadily rises, reaching 11 in both April and May, where the burn time shrinks to just 10 minutes—a clear sign to ramp up sun protection. This trend continues into the summer, peaking at 12 during June and July, before gradually tapering off in the fall. By December, the UV Index drops back to 3, making for a gentle end to the year. This seasonal variation highlights the importance of adapting sun safety practices throughout the year. For more detailed insights, visit Fort Collins UV Index.
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January in Fort Collins marks the beginning of a gradual ascent into sunnier days, with 185 hours of sunshine lighting up the winter skies. As the months progress, an unmistakable trend emerges; February sees a notable jump to 234 hours, followed by a steady increase through March and April, culminating in 300 hours by mid-spring. The sun truly shines its brightest in the summer months, hitting a peak in July with 382 hours of glorious sunlight. Even as the seasons shift towards fall, the sunshine remains plentiful, with September basking in 306 hours before tapering off in the cooler months. This vibrant cycle showcases how Fort Collins transitions from winter's chill to the warmth of summer, ultimately revealing a bright and hopeful spring on the horizon.
In Fort Collins, January enjoys a solid 56% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the brighter months in the winter season. This optimistic outlook stands out when compared to the following months, where February and March dip slightly to 49%, suggesting a trend of diminishing sunshine as winter wears on. Interestingly, as spring transitions into summer, sunshine levels begin to rise, peaking with July's 62% and August's even brighter 66%. This progression highlights a seasonal shift towards increased sunlight, making the colder months feel less gloomy, while hinting at the sun-soaked days that lie ahead. Enjoy those January rays—they're a promising way to kick off the year!
In January, Fort Collins experiences about 9 hours of daylight, marking the heart of winter. As the month progresses into February, the days gradually lengthen to 10 hours, hinting at the impending arrival of spring. By March, daylight stretches to 11 hours, and in April, this increase continues, bringing 13 hours of sun, energizing both nature and residents alike. The trend peaks in June, boasting 15 hours, before beginning to recede throughout the summer months. July sees a slight drop to 14 hours, and as autumn approaches in August and September, daylight diminishes slightly to 13 and 12 hours, respectively. The rhythm of the seasons becomes more pronounced as October and November present 11 and 9 hours of daylight, respectively, bringing a return to winter's shorter days. Ultimately, December again mirrors January with just 9 hours of sunlight, completing a cyclical journey through the year.
In January, Fort Collins experiences a gentle embrace of wind, with an average speed of 2.4 m/s (5 mph). This subtle breeze sets the tone for the winter month, harmonizing with the cooler temperatures. As spring approaches, the wind speed slightly increases in February to 2.5 m/s (6 mph), before dipping back to 2.4 m/s (5 mph) in March. With the arrival of April, the winds pick up slightly to 2.7 m/s (6 mph), ushering in a more lively atmosphere. The trend continues with variable speeds over the summer months, stabilizing around 2.1 to 2.4 m/s (5 mph), reflecting a calm yet consistent breeze. Surprisingly, as the year closes in December, the wind speed returns to the familiar 2.4 m/s (5 mph), creating a full circle of gentle breezes throughout the year.
The weather in Fort Collins changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Fort Collins and find detailed weather information for every month.
In January, temperatures in Fort Collins exhibit a wide range, with a minimum of -26°C (-14°F), an average of -1°C (30°F), and a maximum reaching 17°C (62°F). The month sees relatively low precipitation at 17 mm (0.7 in) over just 4 days, alongside a humidity level averaging 84%. In comparison, February experiences slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of -25°C (-13°F), an average of -2°C (29°F), and a higher maximum of 24°C (75°F). Precipitation increases to 23 mm (0.9 in) over 6 days, with humidity rising slightly to 85%. For more detailed information about the weather in February, visit Fort Collins weather in February.
In comparing the weather in January and March, January typically experiences colder temperatures with an average minimum of -26°C (-14°F) and a maximum of 17°C (62°F), while March sees a notable rise in averages, with minimums around -21°C (-5°F) and maximums reaching 26°C (79°F). January also presents lower precipitation levels at 17 mm (0.7 in) over approximately 4 days, compared to March's wetter conditions with 53 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over 9 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in January at 84%, whereas March's humidity averages at 75%. For a more detailed overview of March weather, you can visit Fort Collins weather in March.
January and April showcase contrasting weather patterns. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -26°C (-14°F) with an average of -1°C (30°F), while April experiences a milder minimum of -13°C (9°F) and an average rise to 8°C (47°F). Additionally, April sees a notable increase in precipitation, totaling 53 mm (2.1 in) over 10 days, compared to January's 17 mm (0.7 in) across just 4 days. While January's high humidity level of 84% can make the cold feel even more biting, April enjoys a lower humidity of 67%, contributing to a more pleasant atmosphere. For further details on weather specifics in April, visit Fort Collins weather in April.
In January, Fort Collins experiences frigid temperatures, with a minimum reaching as low as -26°C (-14°F) and an average of -1°C (30°F), while the maximum hovers around 17°C (62°F). Precipitation is sparse, occurring on only 4 days throughout the month, contributing a total of 17 mm (0.7 in) to the winter's dry chill, alongside relatively high humidity at 84%.
By contrast, May brings a significant shift in weather patterns, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) to a warm average of 13°C (56°F), and highs peaking at a balmy 31°C (88°F). The month sees increased precipitation, totaling 116 mm (4.6 in) across 14 days, and the humidity drops to a more comfortable 67%. The stark difference between the two months highlights the transition from winter's icy grip to the embrace of spring. For more details, check out Fort Collins weather in May.
In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -26°C (-14°F) and an average of -1°C (30°F), while the maximum can reach up to 17°C (62°F). The month experiences about 17 mm (0.7 in) of precipitation over just four days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 84%. In stark contrast, June offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to an average of 20°C (68°F), and highs soaring to 38°C (100°F). The month sees increased precipitation of 40 mm (1.6 in) spread over eight days, but with lower humidity at 68%. For more detailed information, check out Fort Collins weather in June.
In January, the weather is characterized by cold temperatures, with a minimum of -26°C (-14°F) and an average of -1°C (30°F), while July brings much warmer conditions, featuring a minimum of 9°C (49°F) and an average of 23°C (74°F). January typically experiences only 17 mm (0.7 in) of precipitation over 4 days, contrasting with July's higher precipitation of 30 mm (1.2 in) spread over 6 days. Additionally, January's humidity is relatively high at 84%, while July sees a decrease to 62%, making the summer months feel much more comfortable. For more specifics on the warmest month, check out Fort Collins weather in July.
The weather contrasts between January and August are striking. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -26°C (-14°F), with an average of -1°C (30°F) and a maximum of 17°C (62°F), all while experiencing high humidity at 84%. Precipitation is relatively low in this month, averaging only 17 mm over about 4 days. In stark contrast, August brings much warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a sweltering maximum of 36°C (98°F), and an average of 22°C (72°F). This month also sees increased precipitation, totaling 37 mm across 6 days, accompanied by a more moderate humidity level of 63%. For a deeper look at what to expect during the summer months, check out Fort Collins weather in August.
January and September in Fort Collins showcase a stark contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plunge as low as -26°C (-14°F), with an average temperature of -1°C (30°F) and a high reaching just 17°C (62°F). The month sees an average of 17 mm (0.7 in) of precipitation over 4 days, accompanied by high humidity at 84%. Conversely, September experiences a much milder climate with minimum temperatures around -1°C (31°F), average temperatures at 19°C (66°F), and peaks that can soar to 37°C (99°F). Precipitation increases to 26 mm (1.0 in) but remains consistent with the 4 rainy days, while humidity drops to 63%. For more details on the climate during this month, see Fort Collins weather in September.
When comparing the weather in January and October, we see notable differences in temperature and conditions. January experiences a much colder climate, with average temperatures around -1°C (30°F) and a minimum plunging as low as -26°C (-14°F). In contrast, October has milder temperatures, averaging 9°C (49°F) and peaking at a maximum of 29°C (84°F). Precipitation is more frequent in October, with 36 mm (1.4 in) falling over 7 days compared to January's 17 mm (0.7 in) over just 4 days. Humidity levels also reflect this change, being higher in January at 84% versus October's 72%. For more detailed information, check the Fort Collins weather in October.
January and November in Fort Collins present distinct weather patterns. January is significantly colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -26°C (-14°F) to a maximum of 17°C (62°F) and an average of -1°C (30°F). In contrast, November enjoys milder conditions, with temperatures fluctuating between -15°C (6°F) and 25°C (77°F), yielding an average of 4°C (40°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in November at 21 mm (0.8 in) over five days compared to January's 17 mm (0.7 in) over four days. Additionally, humidity levels are marginally higher in January at 84%, while November sees a humidity of 79%. For more detailed information, visit Fort Collins weather in November.
In comparing the weather of January and December, we see a slight variation in temperature and precipitation. January experiences colder temperatures, with average lows around -26°C (-14°F) and a maximum of 17°C (62°F), while December's averages range from -16°C (3°F) to a maximum of 22°C (72°F). Precipitation remains relatively similar, with January receiving 17 mm over four days compared to December’s 16 mm over three days. Humidity levels are also comparable, resting at 84% in January and 85% in December. For more detailed insights, you can explore Fort Collins weather in December.
January in Fort Collins presents a stark contrast to the warmer months, with its chilly temperatures and high humidity levels creating a distinct winter atmosphere. While the days may occasionally reach mild highs, the nights plunge into biting cold, resulting in a unique blend of frigid weather and occasional light precipitation. This blend of conditions not only enhances the beauty of winter landscapes but also invites locals and visitors alike to embrace outdoor activities like skiing and snowshoeing. For a deeper understanding of how January fits into the city's overall climate, explore Fort Collins Climate.