If it feels like spring has been unusually nice this year across Colorado — you’re not imagining it. The past few months have brought warmer-than-normal temperatures and very little snow, leaving many wondering: Is it finally safe to plant flowers early this year?
Not so fast.
Just last week, parts of the state were under a freeze warning, a sharp reminder that Colorado weather doesn’t follow a script. And if history tells us anything, even planting around Mother’s Day — the usual “safe” benchmark — isn’t foolproof. Late-season snow and freezes have happened before, and they can happen again.
What the May Outlook Is Telling Us
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), May is expected to continue the trend we’ve already been seeing:
🌡️ Temperature Outlook
- Above-normal temperatures are favored across much of the western U.S., including Colorado
- The greatest odds of warmth stretch from the Southwest into the Rockies
In simple terms:
👉 Expect more warm days than average, especially compared to a typical May.
🌧️ Precipitation Outlook
- Below-average precipitation is slightly favored across the Rockies and central High Plains
- The signal is especially strong from the Pacific Northwest into the central Rockies
For Colorado, that means:
👉 Drier-than-normal conditions will likely continue
Why This Is Happening
Several large-scale climate factors are at play:
- A transition from La Niña to ENSO-neutral conditions (neither El Niño nor La Niña)
- Low snowpack across the West
- Dry soils already in place from a warm winter
These ingredients are reinforcing a pattern of heat and dryness, not just in Colorado but across much of the western U.S.
Drought Concerns Are Growing
As of mid-March, 55% of the continental U.S. was already in some level of drought.
NOAA expects:
- Drought to persist across much of the West, including Colorado
- New drought development in parts of the Rockies and Plains
For Coloradans, this raises concerns about:
- Water supply
- Wildfire risk
- Agriculture and gardening
What This Means for Your Garden (and Your Expectations)
It’s tempting to take the warm weather as a green light to:
- Buy flowers
- Start planting
- Fully embrace spring
But Colorado weather is notorious for late surprises.
Even in a warm, dry pattern:
- Cold snaps can still happen
- Frosts can still develop
- Snow is still possible
That’s why many gardeners still follow the rule:
👉 Wait until at least Mother’s Day — and even then, stay cautious
A Quick Note on Flooding Risk
Despite the dry trend, flooding isn’t completely off the table.
NOAA says:
- Overall flood risk is normal to below normal this spring
- But localized flooding can still happen with heavy rain
In other words:
Even in a dry year, one strong storm can change things quickly.
Bottom Line
May in Colorado is shaping up to be:
- Warmer than normal
- Drier than normal
- And still… unpredictable
That last part is key.
So while it might feel like summer is arriving early, Colorado’s atmosphere hasn’t signed any contracts. Keep an eye on the forecast, protect sensitive plants, and don’t be surprised if winter tries to sneak in one last appearance.
Because in Colorado, spring is less of a season… and more of a negotiation.