moving to colorado (Fort Collins: buy, live in, vs.)

[nnnn&g]

We've been en madison-wisconsin for 5 years and snow is not so bad. however we do have very low temperatures. how different are average temperatures in fort collins from the ones in madison, wisconsin. we are going to be moving there soon and i would like to be prepared since winter is coming and i have two kids and a baby.
thanks!!!

[supercar]

With the exception of May and June it looks like Fort Collins is warmer. Fort Collins is quite a bit warmer in the winter. Fort Collins has considerably less precipitation.

Fort Collins
Ft Collins Weather - Colorado - Average Temperatures and Rainfall

Madison
Madison Weather - Wisconsin - Average Temperatures and Rainfall

[Tom Emmerling]

The climate is much more mild here. With the exception of a couple months, it will snow and melt off before the end of the day. You gotta love Colorado!!!!

[ScottSells Homes]

I'd be more then happy to tell you all about the Fort...I've been here since 81 and love it..

[bouncing]

Besides air temperature, you'll notice a different in the sun's effect. At a higher altitude, you "feel" the sun a lot more. It could be 40 degrees, but with the sun out, you won't need a jacket during the day time.

[RangerDuke08]

Much milder winters and rather dry, but snow can fall as early as Halloween and as late as Mothers day. Invest in some suncreen.

[BlueSimple]

Alrighty, I have lived in both Madison and Fort Collins. Both places for one year. While I have my opinions on both (can't really stand either), I feel the weather can be commented on without raising anyone's hackles.

Fort Collins gets cold and snowy. It is extremely dry and the elevation is significant compared to Madison. They get a decent amount of snow but it won't stick around until spring in grey piles. As was recommended, buy lots of sunscreen and use it liberally, especially if you have kids.

There really is no comparison. The coldest day in Fort Collins will NEVER equal the cold you get in the Madison area in my opinion. The winds whipping off Lakes Mendota and Monona are brutal and carry a lot of cold moisture. It gets less snow and it stays longer, though if last year was any indication, the snowfall will be increasing.

In my opinion, if you can live successfully in Madison, Rockford, Janesville, Fond du Lac, etc etc, you can face any and all Colorado weather with no worries at all. If you can drive successfully in these areas you have Colorado beat also. The only issue is speed and ice on a mountain road, there you don't have the typical Midwest cornfields to go plowing into should you lose control, you go over the edge.

Good luck with everything.

[dustent]

Originally Posted by BlueSimple

Alrighty, I have lived in both Madison and Fort Collins. Both places for one year. While I have my opinions on both (can't really stand either), I feel the weather can be commented on without raising anyone's hackles.

Fort Collins gets cold and snowy. It is extremely dry and the elevation is significant compared to Madison. They get a decent amount of snow but it won't stick around until spring in grey piles. As was recommended, buy lots of sunscreen and use it liberally, especially if you have kids.

There really is no comparison. The coldest day in Fort Collins will NEVER equal the cold you get in the Madison area in my opinion. The winds whipping off Lakes Mendota and Monona are brutal and carry a lot of cold moisture. It gets less snow and it stays longer, though if last year was any indication, the snowfall will be increasing.

In my opinion, if you can live successfully in Madison, Rockford, Janesville, Fond du Lac, etc etc, you can face any and all Colorado weather with no worries at all. If you can drive successfully in these areas you have Colorado beat also. The only issue is speed and ice on a mountain road, there you don't have the typical Midwest cornfields to go plowing into should you lose control, you go over the edge.

Good luck with everything.

BlueSimple can you elaborate on your opinions of Ft. Collins vs. Madison? I'm interested in hearing what you have to say about the other aspects besides weather. I've been in Madison for 3 years now and I'm looking for a change. I like Madison, but would like some milder winter weather. What are the glaring differences? Or things that don't change? Much appreciated!!!

[bhouston77386]

Did you live in a mild winter climate before you moved here? Have you gotten use to the cold yet?