Planning for Memorial Day in Colorado? Get ready for just about anything. One year, you might step outside to warm sunshine and 80-degree highs, but the next could bring cool rain or a surprisingly chilly morning. Most years, daytime highs land in the 70s and lows dip to the 40s, with roughly a one-in-three shot at rain.
Weather swings like this show up because late May straddles spring and summer. Storm systems still roll across the state, but the longer daylight hours also bring stretches of dry, pleasant weather.
That mix makes Memorial Day one of the more unpredictable holiday weekends on the calendar.
If you’re heading outdoors, understanding these patterns helps you make smarter choices. From Denver barbecues to hikes in the Rockies, knowing what’s typical—and what weird weather’s happened before—can set you up for a smoother holiday.
Typical Memorial Day Weather Patterns in Colorado
Memorial Day weekend in Colorado usually brings mild to warm afternoons, cooler mornings, and a mix of dry and wet spells. Some years feel like spring, while others jump straight into summer mode.
Rain showers and even thunderstorms aren’t rare during this holiday.
Temperature Ranges and Daily Highs
Late May daytime highs generally reach the upper 60s to mid-70s°F across much of Colorado.
Denver’s historical averages show highs near 74°F and lows around 48°F.
Some years, you’ll see temps spike into the upper 80s or low 90s. Other years, you may not get out of the 50s or low 60s.
Mornings often feel crisp, especially in higher elevations. Mountain towns can start the day in the 30s or 40s°F, while the plains stay closer to the 40s and 50s°F.
You’ll want to dress in layers. A jacket might be necessary early, but by afternoon, short sleeves could feel just right.
Rainfall and Showers Frequency
Rain likes to make an appearance during Memorial Day weekend, but not every year turns out wet.
In Denver, there’s about a 30% chance of measurable precipitation. The wettest years have dumped over 1.5 inches in a single day, but plenty of years pass with little or none.
Showers often pop up in the afternoon and evening, especially along the Front Range. Mountain areas get more frequent rain due to upslope flow and higher elevation.
On the plains, rainfall can be lighter but may cover a wider area.
Some Memorial Days stay dry, but it’s smart to plan for passing showers. A quick downpour can drop the temperature fast and force a change of plans.
Thunderstorm Likelihood
Thunderstorms start to show up more often in late May as summer storm season kicks in.
Colorado’s eastern plains really get their share, with storms forming during warm afternoons. These can bring lightning, gusty winds, small hail, and short bursts of heavy rain.
In Denver, storms usually scatter rather than cover the whole area. They tend to develop after midday and push eastward.
Severe weather isn’t as common right on Memorial Day, but it’s not impossible.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, keep an eye on the sky and check the forecast. Afternoon storms can roll in quickly, even after a sunny morning.
Regional Weather Variations Across Colorado
Conditions shift wildly across Colorado depending on elevation and geography. Temperatures, rainfall, and wind patterns can feel totally different just a short drive away, so you should plan with the local setting in mind.
Denver and the Front Range
Denver and the Front Range usually get mild to warm afternoons and cool nights for Memorial Day.
Records show average highs in the low to mid-70s °F and lows near the upper 40s °F. Extremes range from the mid-30s to the low 90s.
Rain showers can happen, with about a 3-in-10 chance of measurable precipitation. Storms tend to come in quick bursts rather than all-day rain.
Snow is rare by late May, but it has happened in unusual years.
If you’re spending time outside in Denver, expect quick weather changes. A sunny morning can easily turn cloudy and showery by late afternoon.
Light jackets and layers are your best bet for comfort.
Mountains and High Country
The mountains and high country stay much cooler than the Front Range.
Average daytime temps often sit in the 50s °F, and nights can dip into the 30s °F or even lower. Snow on the ground is still common at higher elevations, especially above 9,000 feet.
Late May storms sometimes bring fresh snow, even while nearby cities feel much warmer.
Roads through passes may still have icy patches, and trailheads often stay muddy or snow-packed.
If you’re hiking or camping, get ready for cold, wet, and windy weather. Waterproof gear, insulated layers, and sturdy boots really matter.
Clear skies can mean strong sun, so sunscreen is just as important as warm clothing.
Eastern Plains
The eastern plains stretch out flat and open, creating a different set of conditions.
Afternoon highs usually hit the mid-70s to low 80s °F, but nights cool fast into the 40s °F. Winds often pick up, especially in the afternoon.
This region faces higher chances of thunderstorms than the mountains. Severe weather like hail and strong winds can show up, and tornadoes are most likely in late spring.
Rainfall is often heavy but brief, cooling the air quickly.
When you’re traveling across the plains, it’s wise to watch forecasts closely. Storms can develop fast and move quickly, so planning outdoor activities or road trips earlier in the day makes sense.
Fort Collins and Northern Colorado
Fort Collins and nearby northern cities share some traits with Denver but usually run a bit cooler.
Average highs around Memorial Day sit in the upper 60s to low 70s °F, with lows in the mid-40s °F.
Rain showers happen fairly often, and the afternoon thunderstorm risk matches much of the Front Range. Snow in town is very unlikely, though the nearby foothills can still see flurries.
Outdoor events and festivals are popular here during the holiday weekend, but you’ll want a rain jacket and to prepare for quick changes.
If you head west into the foothills, expect cooler air and more unsettled skies than in the city.
Wind and Severe Weather Risks
Late May in Colorado brings unsettled weather more often than not. Strong winds and severe storms can develop quickly, especially along the Front Range and on the eastern plains. That creates real risks for travel and outdoor plans.
Wind Gusts and Their Impact
Wind gusts in late May can reach 30, 40, even 45 mph, especially in open areas or near mountain passes.
These gusts make driving tough, particularly on Interstate 25 or across the eastern plains where crosswinds get stronger.
High winds also boost fire danger when things are dry. Even if rain’s in the forecast, gusty winds can spread grass fires quickly before storms hit.
If you’re hiking or camping, secure tents and gear—sudden gusts can cause damage or become a safety risk.
Air travel sometimes gets affected too. Denver International Airport often faces delays during strong winds, so check for updates and give yourself extra time if you’re flying.
Tornadoes and Severe Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms show up often around Memorial Day, and some can turn severe.
On the eastern plains, storms frequently produce large hail, damaging winds, and the occasional tornado. Most tornadoes stay brief and weak, but they can still damage property and disrupt travel.
Storms along the Front Range usually form in the afternoon and move eastward. This timing means outdoor events or road trips might get interrupted by sudden downpours or lightning.
If you’re visiting during this time, stay alert for National Weather Service watches and warnings. A NOAA weather radio or a good weather app can give you timely alerts.
Taking shelter indoors during warnings is always the safest move, especially in spots with little cover like campgrounds or open highways.
Transition to Summer and Seasonal Context
Late May in Colorado often marks a shift from spring’s unsettled vibe to the warmer, more stable patterns of summer.
Longer daylight, rising temperatures, and more outdoor activity start to take over, but the season’s unpredictability still shapes Memorial Day weather.
Unofficial Start of Summer
Memorial Day weekend is pretty much the unofficial start of summer in Colorado.
The calendar says summer starts in late June, but most summer activities kick off now. Parks, trails, and campgrounds usually open up, and outdoor events draw bigger crowds.
Daytime highs in Denver average in the low to mid-70s°F, but records show anything from the 90s°F down into the 40s°F.
That’s a big range, so you should be ready for both warm afternoons and cooler evenings.
Precipitation chances hover around 25–30%, so a passing shower or thunderstorm is nothing unusual. These storms usually develop in the afternoon, leaving mornings clearer for outdoor plans.
For a lot of people, this weekend signals the start of barbecues, pool openings, and summer travel. Even with the odd cool or wet day, the overall feeling is that summer’s finally here.
Changing Weather Trends in Late May
Late May sits right at the transition between spring storms and summer heat.
You might still see cold fronts bring quick drops in temperature, but they’re less frequent than earlier in the month.
Snowfall in the lower elevations almost never happens by this time, though the mountains can still get late-season snow.
In Denver, Memorial Day has recorded snow depth of zero for decades, so don’t count on snow in the city.
Moisture usually falls as rain showers or quick thunderstorms. These storms can cool things off fast but usually move out within an hour or two.
As May ends, the sun angle gets higher and days stretch longer. This extra sunshine helps push average highs toward summer levels.
By early June, warmth becomes more reliable, and the risk of late frost in most populated areas fades away.
Outdoor Activities and Weather Considerations
Late May in Colorado often brings a mix of warm afternoons and cooler evenings, with the added chance of rain or a quick thunderstorm.
These shifting conditions shape how you plan outdoor activities and what you’ll need to stay comfortable.
Planning for Rain or Shine
Most years, you’ll see daytime highs in the 70s across much of the state, with evenings dropping into the 40s. In the mountains, lows may even hit the 30s.
With swings like that, packing layers—including a light jacket—makes sense, even if the day starts out sunny.
Rain showers aren’t unusual around Memorial Day weekend. In Denver, the historical chance of precipitation sits near 30%.
Afternoon thunderstorms can develop fast, especially along the Front Range and foothills. These storms might bring brief downpours, lightning, and gusty winds.
If you’re hiking, camping, or attending outdoor events, build some flexibility into your schedule. A morning hike often avoids the higher risk of afternoon storms.
For camping, choose sites with good drainage and avoid low spots that may collect water during heavy rain.
Quick tips for comfort:
- Bring waterproof gear like a rain jacket or poncho.
- Keep a backup plan for indoor activities in case showers linger.
- Check local forecasts daily, since Colorado’s weather can turn on a dime.
Safety Tips for Memorial Day Weekend
Sudden weather changes can catch you off guard if you don’t prepare. Thunderstorms usually cause the most trouble, since lightning strikes happen more often in late spring.
If you hear thunder, head for shelter right away. Don’t stick around in open fields or on high ridges.
Heavy rain makes driving tough. Wet roads, poor visibility, and even hail mean you should slow down and leave extra space between cars.
If you’re driving through mountain passes, be ready for cooler temps. You might hit slick spots at higher elevations.
When you’re camping or grilling, check for fire restrictions. Even if rain shows up, dry weather before the holiday can boost wildfire risk.
Stick to local fire safety rules and never walk away from a campfire.
Essential safety reminders:
- Seek shelter when you hear thunder, don’t wait for the rain to start.
- Monitor forecasts using a good weather app or NOAA radio.
- Prepare vehicles with extra water, blankets, and emergency supplies if you’re driving far.
Stay alert and plan ahead, and you’ll have a better shot at enjoying the weekend while dodging weather trouble.
Historical Weather Data and Notable Events
Memorial Day in Colorado can bring warm sunshine or cold rain. Records flip between pleasant outdoor days and sudden chilly spells, so it pays to stay flexible.
Recent Memorial Day Weather Highlights
In Denver, Memorial Day weekend usually means nighttime temps in the mid-40s and daytime highs in the low 70s. Still, the weather can swing a lot.
For example, 2025 only hit 62°F with light rain. In 2023, it warmed up to 82°F under mostly dry skies.
2022 was cooler, topping out at 67°F with a chilly 41°F in the morning.
Rain isn’t rare. Sometimes it’s just a trace, but it can go over an inch. The wettest recent year, 2001, dropped more than 1.2 inches on May 28.
Some years, it doesn’t rain at all.
Snow almost never falls on Memorial Day in Denver, and records show none in recent memory. Still, you’ve got about a 30% chance of getting a cool, damp holiday based on the long-term numbers.
Unusual Weather Patterns in May
May in Colorado always feels like a toss-up. The month sits right between seasons, and you really notice that on Memorial Day.
Sometimes, you’ll get summer highs that climb into the 90s. Other times, you wake up shivering with temps in the 30s.
Denver actually hit its warmest Memorial Day back in 1989, with the thermometer reaching 93°F. On the flip side, things got downright chilly in 1983 when it dropped to 35°F.
Those wild swings? They come from late cold fronts sneaking in or early heat waves showing up before you expect them.
Rainfall can be just as unpredictable. In 1967, for example, Denver picked up 1.51 inches of rain on Memorial Day. Some years, though, the skies stay stubbornly clear and not a drop falls.
That pattern really shows how spring storms sometimes hang on, while summer’s drier weather tries to take over.
If you’re planning to spend Memorial Day outdoors in Colorado, you probably need to pack for just about anything.