At an elevation of 6,035 feet, residents enjoy a number of climatic advantages. During the summer months the days may be seasonally warm but when the sun sets, the evening and nights are refreshingly cool. Few homes need central air conditioning. Long and lingering Indian Autumns are common, while spring is a mild precursor to summer. Colorado Springs meteorological classification is an alpine desert with about 250 days of sunshine and only 15 to 16 inches of precipitation per year.
Humidity remains comfortably low.
While snow is not uncommon, snowfalls do not remain on the ground long. Sunny days are abundant during the winter and the sun's intensity at this elevation quickly melts snow from streets and sidewalks. Warm Chinook winds also help moderate the winter climate. These northwesterly winds can cause rapid increases in temperatures, reminding residents that the Indian meaning of Chinook is snoweater. Mild, sunny weather in the middle of the winter is typical, allowing residents to golf, bike, hike, play tennis and enjoy all types of outdoor activities in the sunshine.