St. Patrick’s Day in Colorado usually brings a mashup of sunshine, chilly mornings, and a real shot at late-season snow. Most years, daytime highs hit the low 50s, and overnight lows dip into the upper 20s, with about a one-in-four chance for some kind of precipitation. So, you might get a mild afternoon parade one year, then find yourself bundled up against snow the next.
Colorado’s spring shift really starts to show up in mid-March. Winter still hangs around, but warmer days sneak in. Some years, the thermometer has soared into the mid-70s. Other years, it’s dropped below zero. It’s a toss-up, honestly.
If you know these patterns, you can plan better. Maybe you’ll dress in layers for a Denver parade, pack snow boots for the mountains, or just keep an umbrella nearby. Weather extremes, regional quirks, and climate trends all play a part in what you’ll get when you celebrate outside.
Typical Weather Patterns on St. Patrick’s Day in Colorado
Weather around St. Patrick’s Day in Colorado can flip fast. Mild afternoons are possible, but chilly mornings still hang on. There’s often a mix of spring-like warmth and leftover winter, especially higher up where snow can still show up.
Average High and Low Temperatures
In Denver, long-term records put average highs at about 53°F and lows near 28°F. You’ll want a jacket early on, but by afternoon, you might not need it.
The warmest years have seen highs in the mid-70s—2012 and 2007 come to mind. Cold snaps have taken lows below zero, like back in 1892 with -6°F.
That’s a big range for mid-March. One year, you’re in short sleeves at a parade. The next, you’re shivering in heavy layers. If you’re planning to be outdoors, stay ready for both.
Precipitation and Snowfall Chances
The chance of measurable precipitation in Denver on March 17 sits at about 1 in 4 (26%). Sometimes it rains, but snow is still very much in play if colder air sticks around.
Some years, no snow falls at all. Other years, several inches pile up. In 1906, for example, 4.2 inches fell, and in 2022, 4 inches showed up.
Most years, though, snowfall is light or just not there. If it does snow, it usually melts fast in lower elevations because the March sun is getting stronger. Up in the mountains, ski areas often get fresh snow, so the holiday weekend stays popular for late-season skiing.
Sunshine and Cloud Cover
Colorado loves its sunshine, and St. Patrick’s Day usually delivers. Many years, bright skies and dry air show up, especially along the Front Range.
But sometimes, cloudier weather rolls in with a storm. That’s when you’ll get colder temps and a shot at snow.
Still, you can count on at least some sun most years. Longer daylight in mid-March helps outdoor events and parades. Clear or partly cloudy skies are common, but hey, sudden changes can still happen.
Historical Weather Extremes
When you look back at Colorado’s St. Patrick’s Day weather, you see wild swings in temperature, snowfall, and rainfall. Some years, the day feels like spring. Other years, it’s downright brutal. You might get a heavy snowstorm or just dry blue skies.
Record Warmest and Coldest Years
Denver’s records show both extremes. The warmest St. Patrick’s Day happened in 2012, with a high of 76°F. 74°F popped up in 2007 and again in 2025. Warm spells in March aren’t rare.
The coldest morning came in 1892, when it hit -6°F. Other icy years: 1872 with 0°F and 1923 at 2°F. These swings really show how fast spring can flip from mild to harsh.
| Year | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 76 | 43 | Warmest high |
| 2007 | 74 | 40 | Tied 3rd warmest |
| 1892 | 27 | -6 | Coldest low |
| 1872 | 22 | 0 | 2nd coldest low |
Notable Snowstorms and Snow Depths
Snow isn’t guaranteed on St. Patrick’s Day, but sometimes it comes in big. The record for snowiest day was 1906, with 4.2 inches in Denver. In 2022, 4.0 inches fell, leaving a snow depth of 4 inches by morning.
Other big storms include 2016 with 3.8 inches and 1965 with 3.7 inches. These made travel tricky and challenged parades and events.
Snow can stick around after a storm. In 2021, only a trace fell on the holiday, but the ground still had 8 inches left from an earlier storm.
Wettest and Driest St. Patrick’s Days
Most years, St. Patrick’s Day stays dry. The wettest one was 1933, when 0.60 inches of rain fell. 2003 had 0.53 inches. These are rare, since March storms usually bring snow, not rain.
Plenty of years have no measurable precipitation at all. In fact, “0.00 inches” shows up most often in Denver’s records since the late 1800s.
| Year | Precipitation (inches) | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1933 | 0.60 | Rain |
| 2003 | 0.53 | Rain |
| 2022 | 0.21 | Snow + rain |
So, while wet St. Patrick’s Days do happen, you’ll usually get clear skies and dry weather.
Regional Differences Across Colorado
Weather around St. Patrick’s Day changes a lot depending on where you are. Elevation and location matter. The Front Range, the mountains, and the Western Slope all see different temperature swings and chances for snow or rain.
Front Range and Plains
Along the Front Range—think Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins—mid-March brings big temperature swings. Highs usually go from the mid-40s to upper 50s °F, but warm spells can push it into the 70s. Cold fronts can still send overnight temps below freezing.
Precipitation is usually light to moderate. There’s about a 25–30% chance of measurable rain or snow on March 17, based on long-term records. Snow can fall, but many years are just dry. When it does snow, it melts quickly thanks to strong sun and warmer afternoons.
If you’re planning to be outside, stay flexible. A sunny morning can turn into a chilly, windy afternoon. Light jackets work most of the time, but it’s smart to keep heavier layers nearby.
Mountain Regions
In the central and northern mountains—places like Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge—St. Patrick’s Day still feels like winter. Average highs run from the upper 20s to mid-30s °F. Overnight lows often drop into the teens.
Snow is common, and ski areas usually pick up fresh accumulation. March is a snowy month in the mountains, so expect packed powder or new snow on the trails. Roads over passes can be icy or covered after storms.
Sunshine is strong at higher elevations, so it can feel warmer than it looks. Still, wind chills bite, especially above treeline. Bring insulated layers, gloves, and eye protection if you’re heading outside for long.
Western Slope Variations
On the Western Slope—Grand Junction, Montrose, Durango—the weather is usually milder and drier. Average highs in mid-March are in the low to mid-50s °F, with lows near freezing. Snow doesn’t show up as often here.
Precipitation averages only 8–14 inches annually in many valleys, so March days are usually sunny and dry. Still, a late-winter storm can bring rain or light snow, especially higher up near the San Juans.
You’ll see longer stretches of sunshine in this region, with 8–12 hours of daylight common. If you’re traveling, bring lighter layers for the day but keep warmer stuff handy for evenings—temperatures drop fast after sunset.
Weather Trends and Climate Insights
Weather in Colorado around St. Patrick’s Day jumps back and forth between winter chill and spring warmth. Temperatures can swing wildly, and you might get snow or a mild sunny day, depending on the year.
Long-Term Climate Patterns
Colorado’s climate in mid-March is all about transition. Historical data says daytime highs in lower spots like Denver often run from the upper 40s to low 60s °F. Mountain towns stay colder, with highs in the 30s and 40s.
Snow is still common, especially in the mountains. Denver has picked up several inches of snow on March 17 some years, while other years have stayed dry and mild. Aspen even got 7 inches of snow on St. Patrick’s Day back in 1981.
Temperature extremes stand out, too. Some mountain valleys have dropped below 0°F, while warm spells have sent readings into the 70s or even low 80s in places like Moab, just over the border. These swings are classic for this region.
If you’re planning to be outside, prep for both winter storms and spring warmth. Pack layers and check the forecast—Colorado’s climate history makes it clear there’s no single “normal” for this holiday.
Recent Years Compared to Historical Averages
Over the past decade, Colorado’s St. Patrick’s Day weather has leaned cooler than average in a lot of places. Several years brought cloudy skies, light snow, or chilly winds that made it feel more like February.
But some years have been warm. A few recent March 17ths saw highs in the 60s along the Front Range, so parades and outdoor events went off in lighter jackets. That fits the long-term pattern—high variability.
Compared to historical averages, recent trends don’t show a clear move toward warmer or colder. The one thing you can count on is year-to-year variation. One year, you might get a snowstorm. The next, it’s dry and mild.
So, don’t trust the averages too much. The best bet is to check forecasts in the week leading up to March 17. That’s how you’ll really know what to expect.
Impact of Weather on St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Weather in Colorado during mid-March can flip fast between mild sunshine and late-season snow. These swings shape how you celebrate, whether you’re heading to a parade, joining an outdoor gathering, or traveling over mountain passes.
Outdoor Events and Parades
St. Patrick’s Day parades in Denver, Colorado Springs, and smaller mountain towns pull in big crowds. March weather can swing from 60°F afternoons to snow showers, so you’ll want to be ready for both. Layers, waterproof shoes, gloves, and hats help you stay comfortable.
Snow isn’t rare, especially higher up in places like Breckenridge or Aspen. Even a little snow can make streets slushy and mess with parade routes and floats. On warmer years, dry conditions are easier for watching events, but if snow just melted, you might be dealing with mud.
Organizers sometimes change parade routes or start times if strong winds or icy weather show up. You might see shorter schedules if it gets really cold. Checking the local forecast the night before is honestly the best way to avoid any surprises.
Travel and Safety Considerations
Travel always pops up as a big concern during St. Patrick’s Day in Colorado. If you’re heading to Denver or Boulder for the festivities, you might run into wet or icy roads in the morning, but they usually dry out as the day goes on.
In the mountains, snow squalls can suddenly hit and slash visibility in just minutes.
Major highways like I‑70 get jammed with traffic, especially when winter driving conditions kick in. If you’re driving toward ski towns, bring chains or snow-rated tires—honestly, it’s just smart.
Public transit in the cities feels like a safer bet, especially if you’re planning to hit up evening events. Buses and light rail take the headache out of parking and keep you from driving after you’ve had a drink or two.
Give yourself extra time for travel, since March weather delays happen more often than you’d think.
Preparing for St. Patrick’s Day Weather in Colorado
Colorado’s weather in mid-March can flip from warm sunshine to sudden snow before you know it. You’ll want to plan for both mild afternoons and chilly mornings.
Rain or snow showers can show up with almost no warning.
What to Wear and Pack
Daytime highs in Denver usually reach the low 50s, but honestly, the records are all over the place—from below zero all the way up into the mid-70s. You really need to dress in layers.
A light jacket or fleece feels perfect for parades, but if a cold front rolls in, you’ll be glad you brought a heavier coat.
If you’re staying outside for a while, grab gloves, a hat, and a scarf. Even if it feels warm at noon, temperatures can plummet once the sun goes down.
Footwear makes a difference, too. Streets might look dry, but some years have surprised people with snow and slush.
Wear water-resistant shoes or boots if the forecast looks wet, and skip the thin-soled sneakers—they just soak right through.
Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen. Colorado’s high elevation means the sun’s stronger, even if it’s cool outside.
A small umbrella or poncho can come in handy if you catch a light rain, but honestly, snow is more likely than a steady drizzle.
Tips for Enjoying the Holiday
If you’re heading to a parade or festival, try to get there early and grab a spot with some shelter close by. Buildings, awnings, or even a few trees can give you a quick escape if the wind picks up or snow showers roll in.
Remember to stay hydrated. The dry mountain air sneaks up on you and can leave you feeling parched, especially if you’re spending time outdoors. Bring a reusable water bottle—nobody wants to stand in line just for water.
Check the forecast the night before, then take another look in the morning. Denver weather can flip pretty quickly, and what’s happening in the city might be totally different from the foothills or nearby mountain towns.
Give yourself extra time if you’re traveling. Snow on March 17 has slowed things down before, and even a little accumulation can make roads slick. If the skies are clear, great, but honestly, it’s just safer to expect some delays.
Keep your plans a bit loose. March weather can be all over the place, so you’ll probably have a better time if you’re open to changing up your activities when the weather shifts.