Colorado’s August Weather: Hottest, Coldest, and Average Temperatures

Colorado has four seasons, each offering different temperatures and weather conditions. Being far inland and distant from major bodies of water and its high elevation means this state is often cool and dry. Let’s find out all about what the weather is like in August!

Temperatures of Colorado

The coldest August temperature in Colorado Springs, Colorado history was 39 °F which occurred on August 27, 1992. The hottest August temperature in Colorado Springs, Colorado history, was 99 °F, which occurred twice, most recently on August 1, 2008. The average daily high is 82.9 °F, and the average daily low is 56.2 °F.

Precipitation

The North American Monsoon (NAM) affects Colorado in different ways. This shift in the wind pattern continuously brings moisture from the Gulf of California. So how can we tell when monsoon season will begin? Generally speaking, July through August brings heavy amounts of water. This affects much of the growth and vegetation of the state throughout the year.

Natural Disasters in August

Some natural disasters have happened during the month of August. Most of these events aren’t everyday occurrences, but they’re worthy of note. Take a look at the list below!

1. Drought

Climate change has brought many major climate issues to the world. The megadrought that gripped that state in 2022 was the driest stretch in over 1500 years! Droughts fuel wildfires, which will wreak havoc on the local area.

2. Wildfires

Wildfires became a nightmare for Colorado residents back in August 2020. Three of the five fires became the largest in the history of Colorado. Wildfires, mudslides, and floods tend to become more common thanks to the soil’s inability to absorb moisture. The biggest wildfire, the Cameron Peak Fire, razed 208,913 acres and took 112 days to fully contain.

3. Floods

Flooding is likely the most common and widespread of all natural hazards in Colorado. The flood of July 31-August 1, 1976, resulted in 143 deaths, 150 injuries, and total damage of about $39 million. The crest of the flood moving through the Big Thompson River was recorded moving over seven miles in only 30 minutes.

4. Lightning Strikes

Did you know that Colorado gets struck by about 500,000 lightning strikes every year? From 1980 to 2019, there were 99 deaths and 485 injuries from lightning strikes alone! You will find that lightning strikes occur frequently in El Paso County.

5. Hail Storms

Monsoon seasons bring some heavy storms into the area. This can include dangerous hail, which can be both costly and deadly. In August 2019, a Colorado state climatologist measured a record-breaking hailstone. At its’ widest point, the hailstone measured 4.83 inches in diameter!

6. Earthquakes

One August afternoon in 2011, the area of Trinidad, Colorado, witnessed a large earthquake. This shook neighboring areas and registered at a whopping 5.3 on the Richter scale. This went down in history as the largest earthquake seen in Colorado for over 100 years!