weather in Boulder in early May?
 

I know, of course, that it's impossible to predict what weather will be, but I'm hoping that folks can give me some sense of what's more or less likely to be the case. What are usual highs and lows? Is it a big precipitation month? (no snow by then, right??)
Thanks!

You are correct, it is impossible. It is Spring with very variable weather. It can snow, probability is not very high. The first year we lived here the only snow day for the local schools was May 9th. Higher probability of rain. Last frost free day is generally Mother's Day weekend but not always. The year our son graduated from CU at the end we had to wear heavy coats for the outdoor graduation. So come prepared for a little bit of everything.

Absolutely agree with fmpden. Early May has had anything from 80-degree days to a bit of snow. Way too early to tell. Usually March and April are heavier precipitation months, though. I used to like to bring several layers; a water-resistant quality raincoat, perhaps with a zip-in lining if possible, and a hat, gloves and scarf. Shirts/blouses with a cardigan or two for layering...you get the idea.

Safe travels,
BC

Thanks for replies. My reason for question was that my husband has business in Boulder in early May (connected with CU graduation), and I'm trying to decide whether to go out there with him. I'd be interested only if we could hope to do outdoor things in the area, hiking, etc. It sounds as if Boulder could be quite cool at the time.

So my next question: Is there perhaps an area not far from Boulder where the weather would be considerably warmer (we don't enjoy cold weather hiking, esp now that we're in our late 70's) We spent a pleasant 3 days in RMNP some years ago-- but that was in July. Is there somewhere perhaps in the opposite direction that would be more likely to be warm and pleasant? E.g. how far would "desert" or the like be?

Thanks for help!

If Boulder has snow, chances are good that the surrounding areas do, also. It is likely that the weather will be gorgeous (could even be hot); but people are just warning you that there is no "usual" and that you should be prepared (snow into June isn't unheard of). (Last week, Denver-Boulder temps hit 70; it can go in a matter of hours from teeshirt to parkas weather.) You could drive for 5 hours to the southern part of the state in hopes of different weather; but that's a crapshoot, too. Come to Boulder and enjoy; there's plenty to do regardless of weather, and if it snows one day, it could be hiking/climbing/strolling weather the next!

Your Q: " Is there perhaps an area not far from Boulder where the weather would be considerably warmer"

Answer: No - if anything, Boulder/Denver would be warmer than surrounding areas.

It's due to the lay of the land: Boulder is on the flat, right at the foot of the foothills, where - going west - the "hills" become the Rocky Mountains, so the higher the colder, of course.

Going east of Boulder, out on the flat (that remains flat all the way through Kansas) is Denver, just about the same temps as Boulder, and then there is the great void.

Up and down the frontrange, on the flat but at the foot of the foothills, it is roughly the same, Fort Collins in the north to Colorado Springs to the South.

As mentioned, you may have glorious early-summer weather one day, but people wait until the end of May to plant their tomatoes - does that tell you something?

Graduation is May 8 so you will be early. Everyone is trying to tell you that the weather is VARIABLE and will be VARIABLE. Regardless of weather, outdoor activity could be limited. You could do some hiking/walking within Boulder but any of the trails above or around Boulder will be soggy if not muddy. Even with very nice weather in Boulder the spring melt will make most of the surrounding areas marginal for hiking. I don't care for the phrase but some folks like to call April and May the mud season. Unfortunately, there is some truth to that statement. But there would be plenty to see and do within the Boulder area.

Having said all the above -- right now we are having one of our driest winters on record along the front range. If it doesn't improve it could be very dry by May. Then you might have to worry about forest fires. Hard to tell. Pack your boots.

All I know is, that if a biological weapon kills off 99.4% of the population, Boulder is the place you'll want to be.

That, like the weather, is impossible to predict.

While the weather may prevent hiking in the foothills or mountains, you could walk along the Boulder Creek path. Arguably not quite the same, but it makes for a pleasant walk and the city does an outstanding job of keeping the path clear.

I certainly wouldn't abandon teh idea of a trip to Boulder just because it might snow.

"...All I know is, that if a biological weapon kills off 99.4% of the population, Boulder is the place you'll want to be..."

You mean "The Republic of Boulder, Surrounded by Reality"? The place where you don't legally own a pet but are the pet's guardian? Where the round-abouts had to come back out because the emergency vehicle couldn't get around them?