You've probably heard the joke: if you don’t like the weather in Colorado, just wait fifteen minutes. It’s a cliche for a reason. Right now, looking at the Colorado Springs 14 day forecast, we’re staring down the barrel of a classic Front Range January—a weird, oscillating mix of "do I need a parka?" and "is it t-shirt weather?"
Honestly, the next two weeks look like a fever dream for anyone trying to plan a hike at Garden of the Gods. We are currently transitioning out of a weak La Niña pattern, which basically means the atmosphere is acting a bit moody. While the mountains are struggling with record-low snowpack—literally hitting all-time lows for mid-January—the Springs is doing its own thing.
The Wild Reality of the Colorado Springs 14 Day Forecast
If you’re checking the apps today, Thursday, January 15, 2026, you’ll see a high of 62°F. That is not a typo. It’s gorgeous. But don't let it fool you into a false sense of security. By Friday, a cold front slams into the Pikes Peak region, dropping those highs into the low 40s.
Here is the thing about our local weather that most national outlets miss: the "Chinook" effect. These warm, dry winds can come screaming off the mountains and melt three inches of snow in an afternoon. This is why the first week of our forecast is dominated by "few clouds" and "scattered clouds" rather than any real moisture.
What to Expect Over the Next Two Weeks
The mid-range outlook shows a secondary dip around Tuesday, January 20. We’re looking at highs of 40°F and lows dipping into the 20s. If you’re a commuter on I-25, keep an eye on the night of the 21st. There’s a slight chance of some scattered moisture, but with the current dry spell, it’s more likely to be a dusting than a "get out the shovel" event.
Toward the end of the month, specifically the window between January 24 and January 27, the pattern gets a bit more "broken." We’re seeing more overcast skies and a potential icy mix late in the day on the 27th. Pikes Peak itself is actually forecasting a bit more drama, with light snow potentially moving in early on January 28.
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Wait, what about the snow? Most people assume January is our snowiest month. It's not. Historically, that honor usually goes to March. Right now, Colorado is approaching record lows for snowpack. The National Weather Service is calling for "equal chances" of above or below-normal precipitation, but the reality on the ground is bone-dry.
Why This Forecast Actually Matters for Your Health and Gear
Living at 6,035 feet changes how you experience 40 degrees. In the sun, it feels like 60. In the shade, it feels like 20. This is due to the low humidity—currently hovering around 57%—and the thin atmosphere.
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When you're looking at the colorado springs 14 day forecast, you shouldn't just look at the "high" number. Look at the "low." We are seeing 30-degree swings in a single day. That kind of fluctuation is brutal on the sinuses and can make dressing for a morning commute versus an afternoon walk nearly impossible.
- Hydration is non-negotiable: In this dry, "alpine desert" air, you lose moisture just by breathing. If the forecast says it's going to be windy (and January in the Springs is always windy, averaging 15 mph), double your water intake.
- Sunscreen is for winter too: Don't let the 40-degree highs fool you. The UV index still hits moderate levels, and with 300 days of blue skies, the sun is stronger here than at sea level.
- The Layering Rule: Base layers close to the skin, a fleece or light down mid-layer, and a wind-resistant shell. You'll likely shed two of those by 2:00 PM.
Pikes Peak vs. The City: A Massive Divide
One of the biggest mistakes people make when looking at the colorado springs 14 day forecast is assuming it applies to the whole region. It doesn't.
There is a massive "micro-climate" gap between downtown Colorado Springs and the summit of Pikes Peak, or even the neighborhoods in Ute Pass like Manitou Springs and Cascade. While the city might be enjoying a 50-degree afternoon, the Peak could be experiencing -5°F with 50 mph gusts. If you are planning to drive the Pikes Peak Highway in the next 14 days, check the specific mountain forecast. Icy conditions on the "W's" (those sharp switchbacks near the top) can happen even when the city is dry.
Is the "Big One" Coming?
Meteorologists like Joel Gratz at OpenSnow are hinting at some "meaningful snow" potential between January 22 and 24. However, the National Weather Service is being much more cautious. They’ve noted that as La Niña breaks down, we might start seeing more atmospheric river events later in the spring, but for the rest of January, "significant snow" isn't the betting favorite.
Basically, keep the ice scraper in the car, but don't cancel your tee time for next weekend just yet. The volatility is the only constant.
Actionable Tips for the Next 14 Days
- Check your tires now: Even if there’s no snow in the immediate 48-hour window, the temperature drops below freezing every single night for the next two weeks. Rubber hardens in the cold, and those "dustings" on overpasses can turn into black ice quickly.
- Winterize your outdoor tech: If you have outdoor cameras or smart locks, the 20-degree nights expected around January 20th will drain those batteries fast. Swap them or charge them during the 60-degree "heatwave" today.
- Water your trees: This is a big one. Since it’s been so dry, your perennial plants and trees are thirsty. If the ground isn't frozen and the temp is above 40 (like today or Thursday), give them a soak.
- Watch the wind: January 15 and 16 will likely see some gusts. Secure your patio furniture or anything that might become a projectile.
The colorado springs 14 day forecast shows a city in a tug-of-war between late winter and early spring. It’s dry, it’s sunny, and it’s occasionally biting cold. Stay flexible, keep your layers handy, and maybe keep a pair of flip-flops next to your snow boots—you’ll probably need both before the month is out.