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4-Inch Soil Temperature in Colorado

The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Colorado is 78°F, measured at 8 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 62°F to 85°F. Soil across Colorado is running 6°F above the seasonal normal of 72°F for mid-August, based on 8 of 8 stations with historical records. Last updated August 9, 2026.

Why the 4-Inch Reading

Every reading here is measured at native 4-inch depth by USDA SCAN (Soil Climate Analysis Network) and NOAA USCRN (US Climate Reference Network) stations — not modeled. The 4-inch root-zone temperature changes more slowly than the surface, making it the steadier signal for established-lawn and garden timing: pre-emergent and broadleaf herbicide windows, fertilizer applications, and core aeration.

Stations Measuring 4-Inch Depth in Colorado (8)

Station4" TempLast Reading
Nunn #1 (Weld)81°F2026-08-09
CPER (Weld)82°F2026-08-09
Montrose 11 ENE77°F2026-08-09
Cortez 8 SE76°F2026-08-09
La Junta 17 WSW82°F2026-08-09
Nunn 7 NNE80°F2026-08-09
Boulder 14 W62°F2026-08-09
Dinosaur 2 E85°F2026-08-09

Cities in Colorado (46)

Cities in Colorado with current soil temperature readings
CityZIPCurrent Temp
Alamosa81101
Arvada8000162°F
Aspen8161177°F
Aurora8001062°F
Boulder8030162°F
Brighton8060162°F
Broomfield8002062°F
Canon City81212
Castle Rock8010462°F
Colorado Springs80901
Commerce City8002262°F
Craig81625
Crested Butte8122477°F
Crowley8103382°F
Denver8020162°F
Dinosaur8161085°F
Durango8130176°F
Englewood8011062°F
Estes Park8051162°F
Evergreen8043762°F
Florence81226
Fort Collins8052180°F
Glenwood Springs8160177°F
Golden8040162°F
Grand Junction8150177°F
Greeley8063180°F
Gunnison8123077°F
Lakewood62°F
Limon80826
Littleton8012062°F
Longmont8050162°F
Louisville8002762°F
Loveland8053762°F
Montrose8140177°F
Pagosa Springs81147
Parker8013462°F
Pueblo8100182°F
Silverthorne8049762°F
Steamboat Springs8047762°F
Thornton8024162°F
U S A F Academy80840
Vail8165762°F
Westminster8003062°F
Wheat Ridge8003362°F
Windsor8055080°F
Woodland Park80863

4-Inch Soil Temperature FAQ for Colorado

What is the current 4-inch soil temperature in Colorado?

The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Colorado is 78°F, measured at 8 USDA and NOAA stations. Readings range from 62°F to 85°F depending on location and elevation. Soil across Colorado is running 6°F above the seasonal normal of 72°F for mid-August, based on 8 of 8 stations with historical records.

What does the 4 inch soil temperature mean?

The 4 inch soil temperature shows conditions deeper in the root zone than the 2 inch germination reading. It is commonly used for established lawn, garden, and agricultural timing because it changes more slowly than the surface layer, so it is a steadier signal for fertilizer, aeration, and weed-control decisions.

Why use 4-inch soil temperature instead of 2-inch?

Use 2 inches for germination decisions, since that is where seeds sit. Use the 4 inch soil temperature for established lawn and garden timing: it reads the root zone, changes more slowly than the surface, and is the depth most fertilizer, aeration, and disease guidance references.

See the national 4-inch soil temperature map, the full Colorado soil temperature directory (all depths), or the live national soil temperature map.