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The Climate and Seasons
Pagosa Springs is located in the "Colorado Sunbelt"
just 35 miles north of the New Mexico border, nestled at 7,000
feet on the Western Slope of the Continental Divide. This combination
of high desert plateau and dramatic Rocky Mountains to the north
and east creates an unusually mild climate, compared with much
of the surrounding Southwest. We are favored with some 300 days
of sun each year, as well as four distinct, dramatic seasons...
Winter - Powdery snow, clear sunny
days and crisp cold nights are a trademark of winters in Pagosa
Springs. Our local ski resort, Wolf Creek Ski Area, regularly
receives over 450 inches of natural snowfall, more snow that any
other resort in the state. In downtown Pagosa, however, average
snowfall is only 62 inches. Downtown streets are nearly always
free of snow due to the warm daytime temperatures, which average
in the high 40s. Nighttime temperatures can drop dramatically,
but rarely go below the 20s.
Spring
- The hills are alive with the first growth of the season, and
the local rivers are rushing and full, much to the delight of
river rafters and kayakers. Days are warm and clear, the nights
cool. The mountains are still snow-covered, with spring skiing
typically available until mid-April.
Summer - Warm sunny days and pleasantly
cool evenings make Pagosa Springs a real treat. Afternoon thundershowers
are a regular feature during summer, usually lasting less than
half an hour. Temperatures during July typically range from highs
in the low 80s to nighttime temperatures in the high 50s. The
growing season gets off to a late start in Pagosa but lasts into
the Fall, with an average season of 90-95 days.
Fall
- Indian summers are a normal event in Pagosa, with summer-like
daytime temperatures lasting well into October, accompanied by
cool evenings. In the mountains, the great groves of aspen and
birch transform into their dramatic fall colors of vibrant yellows
and oranges. By November, the high mountains have already received
enough snow for Wolf Creek Ski Area to open.
