If you’ve lived in Fort Collins for any length of time, you’ve probably realized that the standard four seasons—winter, spring, summer, and fall—don’t quite capture our unpredictable weather patterns. Instead, we experience what many locals jokingly refer to as 11 distinct seasons, each with its own quirks, false hopes, and wardrobe confusion.
Welcome to Fool’s Spring
Right now, we find ourselves in what is arguably the most deceptive of them all—Fool’s Spring. It’s that glorious stretch in late February or early March when the sun comes out, the temperature climbs into the 50s or even 60s, and you start believing that winter is finally over. Birds chirp, people break out their shorts and patio furniture, and for a brief moment, Fort Collins feels like spring has truly arrived.
But don’t be fooled. This is a trick.
Because just when you start planning your first spring hike or consider packing away your winter coat, Second Winter comes roaring in. A cold front will sweep through, snow will blanket the city, and you’ll be scraping ice off your windshield once again. It happens every year.
The Seasonal Rollercoaster of Fort Collins
This cycle is familiar to longtime residents. Fort Collins, sitting at the base of the Rocky Mountains, experiences wild temperature swings. A warm, sunny day can quickly turn into a snowstorm overnight. And just when you think winter is officially behind you, we get hit with the Spring of Deception—another round of warmth that convinces us the cold is gone, only to be followed by Third Winter. March through April can be a wild ride!
Then comes Mud Season, that awkward in-between time when the snow melts, trails turn to slush, and every dog in town seems to track muddy paw prints into the house. Actual Spring eventually arrives, but even then, it’s unpredictable—occasional late-April snowfalls remind us not to get too comfortable. Rule of thumb… don’t plant your flowers until Mother’s Day.
Surviving and Embracing the Chaos
So how do you survive the 11 seasons of Fort Collins? The key is to embrace the unpredictability:
- Layer Up – Keep both a winter coat and a light jacket in your car or easily available to grab at all times. You never know when you’ll need them both in the same day.
- Enjoy the Warm Days While They Last – Yes, Fool’s Spring is a lie, but that doesn’t mean you can’t soak up the sunshine. Hit up Old Town patios, take a stroll along the Poudre River Trail, or enjoy a quick hike in Lory State Park. Just don’t pack away the winter gear yet.
- Expect the Unexpected – If you plan an outdoor event in April or May, have a backup plan. Snow in May? It happens.
The 11 seasons of Fort Collins are a rite of passage. They may be frustrating at times, but they also add to the unique charm of living in Northern Colorado. Whether you’re bundled up in March or enjoying Second Summer in October, just remember: in Fort Collins, the weather is never boring.
So, are we in Fool’s Spring? Absolutely. But Second Winter is coming. Stay ready.
