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Contents
- The climate of Ouray
- The best time to visit Ouray
- The worst time to visit Ouray
- Spring weather in Ouray
- Summer weather in Ouray
- Autumn weather in Ouray
- Winter weather in Ouray
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
The colorful city of Ouray set between high mountains in Colorado
The climate of Ouray
Ouray, Colorado, resides under the Köppen climate classification Dfb, denoting a humid continental climate with no dry season and warm summers. Strategically located in the mountainous region, the climate tablecloths considerable fluctuations in weather patterns throughout the year. A clear oscillation between extremes defines the climate here - from the chilling lows of the winter months to the pleasantly warm days of summer.
A keen look at the yearly weather data reveals the vast differences in temperatures. The highest average temperature records in July with a mark of 65.1°F (18.4°C) while the coldest month, January, sees average lows dropping to just 2.8°F (-16.2°C). The changes in humidity also follow a broad trajectory, peaking in the cold months of January and February at 86% and reaching the lowest levels in June at 47%.
In terms of precipitation, Ouray experiences notable changes over the year. The highest rainfall occurs in July at a substantial 5.39" (137mm), while the least amount occurs in January and December at approximately 1.34" (34mm) each. Conversely, snowfall is primarily concentrated in the colder half of the year, peaking at 16.26" (413mm) in March and largely absent from June to August.
The city sees fluctuating levels of sunlight hours throughout the year. July possesses the longest daylight duration at 14.5 hours and December, the shortest at 9.6 hours. Sunshine hours closely mirror this trend, with June presenting the highest number at 11.6 hours and December the lowest at 5.7 hours.
A keen look at the yearly weather data reveals the vast differences in temperatures. The highest average temperature records in July with a mark of 65.1°F (18.4°C) while the coldest month, January, sees average lows dropping to just 2.8°F (-16.2°C). The changes in humidity also follow a broad trajectory, peaking in the cold months of January and February at 86% and reaching the lowest levels in June at 47%.
In terms of precipitation, Ouray experiences notable changes over the year. The highest rainfall occurs in July at a substantial 5.39" (137mm), while the least amount occurs in January and December at approximately 1.34" (34mm) each. Conversely, snowfall is primarily concentrated in the colder half of the year, peaking at 16.26" (413mm) in March and largely absent from June to August.
The city sees fluctuating levels of sunlight hours throughout the year. July possesses the longest daylight duration at 14.5 hours and December, the shortest at 9.6 hours. Sunshine hours closely mirror this trend, with June presenting the highest number at 11.6 hours and December the lowest at 5.7 hours.
The best time to visit Ouray
Based on climatic conditions, the prime time for a visit to Ouray lies between June and September. These months offer warm and inviting temperatures, reaching up to 65.1°F (18.4°C) in July. Rainfall is relatively lower compared to the wetter months, with June showcasing the least rainfall at just 1.89" (48mm). Other than the brief rains, visitors can expect to enjoy long, sunny days with daylight hours peaking at 14.8 hours in June, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration.
The worst time to visit Ouray
Travelling to Ouray might prove challenging during winter months from December to February. These months come with considerable snowfall, reaching up to 10.71" (272mm) in December, and low temperatures hitting a freezing 2.8°F (-16.2°C) in January. The days are significantly shorter with daylight hours dropping to 9.6 hours in December, resulting in less daylight to explore outdoors.
Spring weather in Ouray
Spring in Ouray unfolds between March and May. Temperature picks up from an average low of 11.7°F (-11.3°C) in March to a comfortable 25.7°F (-3.5°C) in May. Rainfall registers a slight rise to 2.87" (73mm) in May while snowfall lessens from 16.26" (413mm) in March to 1.81" (46mm) in May. As the season progresses, daylight and sunshine hours lengthen to 14.3 hours and 10.5 hours respectively in May, indicating extended periods of sunlit exploration.
Summer weather in Ouray
Summer months in Ouray stretch from June to August with temperatures trending towards the warmer side, registering highs of up to 65.1°F (18.4°C) in July. Rainfall, although slightly higher than the earlier months, remains manageable with a monthly average of 1.89" (48mm) in June. Sunshine is abundant, and daylight hours peak at 14.8 hours in June, offering generous opportunities for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Ouray
Autumn arrives in Ouray in September and lasts until November. The transition from warm to cooler temperatures is apparent with a decline from 57.9°F (14.4°C) in September to 34.2°F (1.2°C) in November. The rainfall also drops over these months, with November registering the year’s lowest level at just 1.26" (32mm). Although the daylight hours reduce to 10.1 hours in November, visitors can still experience a significant amount of sunshine.
Winter weather in Ouray
Winter hits Ouray from December until February featuring sub-zero temperatures and extensive snowfall. The temperatures fall dramatically down to a freezing average low of 2.8°F (-16.2°C) in January. Snowfall rises, reaching a high of 10.71" (272mm) in December. Daylight hours fall to a low of 9.6 hours in December, while sunshine hours also shrink down to 5.7 hours in December, rendering this period unsuitable for outdoor exploration.
Weather in January
January in Ouray, Colorado experiences a winter climate with cold temperature ranges from 2.8°F (-16.2°C) to 25.2°F (-3.8°C). The chill can be felt in the air as the month hosts an average of 11 snowfall days, blanketing the city in 9.06" (230mm) of snow. Weather in January »
Weather in February
The second month of the year, February, marks a continuation of the winter season in Ouray. The temperatures remain quite low, although slightly warmer than January ranging from 5.5°F (-14.7°C) to 25.3°F (-3.7°C). In terms of snowfall, February sees an increase with an average of 12.2 snowfall days, resulting in a substantial snow cover of 10.98" (279mm). Weather in February »
Weather in March
As Ouray transitions from winter to spring in March, weather conditions exhibit a mild improvement. Though the city remains cold relative to most of the country, with temperatures hovering between 11.7°F (-11.3°C) to 31.5°F (-0.3°C), it presents slightly more favorable conditions than the preceding months. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in Ouray experiences a considerable increase in temperatures from 16.5°F (-8.6°C) to 36.5°F (2.5°C). The arrival of spring is accompanied by an upturn in rainfall with an average of 2.13" (54mm) of precipitation spread over 6.3 days. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May ushers in milder weather in Ouray, with temperatures reaching a relatively warm range between 25.7°F (-3.5°C) to 47.1°F (8.4°C). One of the most significant transitions in May is the increased rainfall reaching nearly 2.87" (73mm), marking the highest precipitation level of the year. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June marks the arrival of the summer season in Ouray with a perceptible change in temperatures from 37°F (2.8°C) to 62.4°F (16.9°C). The highest daylight hours in the year, totaling around 14.8 hours, contribute to longer, warmer days. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is typically the warmest month in Ouray, with temperatures reaching the height of the year between 43.2°F (6.2°C) and 65.1°F (18.4°C). Despite the warm conditions, July observes the highest rainfall and number of rainfall days in the year, totaling 5.39" (137mm) across 23.8 days. Weather in July »
Weather in August
August in Ouray sees a slight regression in weather conditions with temperature ranges lowering to between 41.2°F (5.1°C) and 63.1°F (17.3°C), maintaining the summer atmosphere. August continues with significant rainfall recording 4.02" (102mm) of precipitation. Weather in August »
Weather in September
The month of September initiates the transition from summer to fall in Ouray, with temperatures lowering to between 36.1°F (2.3°C) and 57.9°F (14.4°C). Rainfall decreases to 2.05" (52mm), indicating the incoming drought period. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings in autumn fully, with a significant reduction in daytime temperatures falling between 25.7°F (-3.5°C) and 45.9°F (7.7°C). This month, rainfall further decreases to an average of 1.34" (34mm), and snowfall begins to put in its annual appearance. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November observes a transition from autumn to winter in Ouray with temperatures between 13.8°F (-10.1°C) and 34.2°F (1.2°C). Snowfall increases significantly with an accumulation of 9.88" (251mm) across 9.2 days. The upcoming winter season paves the way for preparations for holiday festivities. Weather in November »
Weather in December
In December, Ouray, Colorado, welcomes the winter season full swing as temperatures drop to between 4.8°F (-15.1°C) and 25.3°F (-3.7°C). With 10.71" (272mm) of snow over 12.6 days, December offers the most snow-covered days in the city's calendar. Weather in December »
[Resources]Frequently asked questions
What is the coldest time of year in Ouray?
January, with average temperatures reaching a high of 25.2°F (-3.8°C) and a low of 2.8°F (-16.2°C), is the coldest month.
What is the driest month in Ouray?
The month with the least rainfall is January, when the rain falls for 1.3 days and typically collects 1.1" (28mm) of precipitation.
How many days does it rain in Ouray?
In Ouray, during the entire year, the rain falls for 98.2 days and collects up to 26.65" (677mm) of precipitation.
When does it snow in Ouray?
January through June, August through December are months with snowfall.
How many days does it snow in Ouray?
Throughout the year, there are 102 snowfall days, and 101.02" (2566mm) of snow is accumulated.
What is the most humid month in Ouray?
The most humid month is February, with an average relative humidity of 86%.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Ouray?
The months with the least sunshine in Ouray are February and December, with an average of 5.7h of sunshine.
When is the lowest UV index in Ouray?
February and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Ouray.
When does it snow the most in Ouray?
March is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 13.8 days and accumulates 16.26" (413mm) of snow.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Ouray?
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from MST to MDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from MDT to MST.
What is the least humid month in Ouray?
With an average relative humidity of 47%, June is the least humid month in Ouray, Colorado.
When are the longest days in Ouray?
With an average of 14h and 48min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.
What month has the most sunshine in Ouray?
With an average of 11.6h of sunshine, June has the most sunshine of the year in Ouray.
What is the month with the highest UV index in Ouray?
The months with the highest UV index in Ouray are June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 4.
What is the hottest time of year in Ouray?
July, marked by an average high-temperature of 65.1°F (18.4°C) and a low-temperature of 43.2°F (6.2°C), is the warmest month in Ouray, Colorado.
What is the rainiest month in Ouray?
The month with the most rainfall in Ouray, Colorado, is July, when the rain falls for 23.8 days and typically aggregates up to 5.39" (137mm) of precipitation.
When it does not snow in Ouray?
July is the only month when snow does not fall in Ouray.
What is the month with the shortest days in Ouray?
The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 36min of daylight.
Average temperature
Ouray, CO
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (65.1°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (25.2°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (43.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (2.8°F).
Average pressure
Ouray, CO
- Average pressure in January:
30.23"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.11"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.03"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.92"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.93"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
30.02"Hg - Average pressure in August:
30.04"Hg - Average pressure in September:
30.03"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30.05"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.12"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.16"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.23"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is May (29.92"Hg).
Average wind speed
Ouray, CO
- Average wind speed in January:
5mph - Average wind speed in February:
6.2mph - Average wind speed in March:
6.5mph - Average wind speed in April:
6.7mph - Average wind speed in May:
6.8mph - Average wind speed in June:
7.6mph
- Average wind speed in July:
5.3mph - Average wind speed in August:
5.3mph - Average wind speed in September:
5.7mph - Average wind speed in October:
6mph - Average wind speed in November:
5.8mph - Average wind speed in December:
5.6mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is June (7.6mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is January (5mph).
Average humidity
Ouray, CO
The month with the highest relative humidity is February (86%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is June (47%).
Average rainfall
Ouray, CO
- Average rainfall in January:
1.1" - Average rainfall in February:
1.3" - Average rainfall in March:
1.97" - Average rainfall in April:
2.13" - Average rainfall in May:
2.87" - Average rainfall in June:
1.89"
- Average rainfall in July:
5.39" - Average rainfall in August:
4.02" - Average rainfall in September:
2.05" - Average rainfall in October:
1.34" - Average rainfall in November:
1.26" - Average rainfall in December:
1.34"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (5.39").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (1.1").
Average rainfall days
Ouray, CO
- Average rainfall days in January:
1.3 days - Average rainfall days in February:
1.3 days - Average rainfall days in March:
4.3 days - Average rainfall days in April:
6.3 days - Average rainfall days in May:
9.2 days - Average rainfall days in June:
11.6 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
23.8 days - Average rainfall days in August:
20.3 days - Average rainfall days in September:
13 days - Average rainfall days in October:
4.2 days - Average rainfall days in November:
1.4 days - Average rainfall days in December:
1.5 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (23.8 days).
The months with the least rainy days are January and February (1.3 days).
Average snowfall
Ouray, CO
- Average snowfall in January:
9.06" - Average snowfall in February:
10.98" - Average snowfall in March:
16.26" - Average snowfall in April:
16.14" - Average snowfall in May:
16.18" - Average snowfall in June:
1.81"
The month with the highest snowfall is March (16.26").
The month with the least snowfall is July (0").
Average snowfall days
Ouray, CO
- Average snowfall days in January:
11 days - Average snowfall days in February:
12.2 days - Average snowfall days in March:
13.8 days - Average snowfall days in April:
16.5 days - Average snowfall days in May:
13.2 days - Average snowfall days in June:
2.4 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0.2 days - Average snowfall days in September:
2.4 days - Average snowfall days in October:
8.5 days - Average snowfall days in November:
9.2 days - Average snowfall days in December:
12.6 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is April (16.5 days).
The month with the least snowfall days is July (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Ouray, CO
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 5min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 5min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 1min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 1min - Average daylight in June:
14h and 5min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 3min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 4min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 1min - Average daylight in November:
10h and 1min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 4min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 48min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 36min).
- Average sunshine in January:
5h and 5min - Average sunshine in February:
5h and 4min - Average sunshine in March:
7h and 4min - Average sunshine in April:
9h and 4min - Average sunshine in May:
10h and 3min - Average sunshine in June:
11h and 4min
- Average sunshine in July:
11h and 1min - Average sunshine in August:
11h and 1min - Average sunshine in September:
10h and 3min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 5min - Average sunshine in November:
6h and 4min - Average sunshine in December:
5h and 4min
The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 11h and 36min).
The months with the least sunshine are February and December (Average sunshine: 5h and 42min).
Average sunshine days
Ouray, CO
- Average sunshine days in January:
20.4 days - Average sunshine days in February:
16.1 days - Average sunshine days in March:
15.7 days - Average sunshine days in April:
11 days - Average sunshine days in May:
11.3 days - Average sunshine days in June:
14.9 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
5.3 days - Average sunshine days in August:
7.8 days - Average sunshine days in September:
12.8 days - Average sunshine days in October:
20 days - Average sunshine days in November:
20.7 days - Average sunshine days in December:
18.5 days
The month with the most sunshine days is November (20.7 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (5.3 days).
Average UV index
Ouray, CO
The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 4).
The months with the lowest UV index are February and December (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Ouray, CO
The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 45).
The month with the least cloud cover is June (Cloud cover 15).
Average visibility
Ouray, CO
The months with the highest visibility are May, June, July, August, September and October (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February and December (4mi).
Ouray, Colorado, USA
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