4-Inch Soil Temperature in Colorado
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Colorado is 63°F, measured at 8 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 52°F to 73°F. Soil across Colorado is running 2°F above the seasonal normal of 61°F for late September, based on 8 of 8 stations with historical records. Last updated September 23, 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)
| Station | 4" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Nunn #1 (Weld) | 66°F | 2026-09-23 |
| CPER (Weld) | 66°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Montrose 11 ENE | 57°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Cortez 8 SE | 59°F | 2026-09-23 |
| La Junta 17 WSW | 73°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Nunn 7 NNE | 66°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Boulder 14 W | 52°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Dinosaur 2 E | 64°F | 2026-09-23 |
Cities in Colorado (46)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Alamosa | 81101 | — |
| Arvada | 80001 | 52°F |
| Aspen | 81611 | 57°F |
| Aurora | 80010 | 52°F |
| Boulder | 80301 | 52°F |
| Brighton | 80601 | 52°F |
| Broomfield | 80020 | 52°F |
| Canon City | 81212 | 73°F |
| Castle Rock | 80104 | 52°F |
| Colorado Springs | 80901 | 73°F |
| Commerce City | 80022 | 52°F |
| Craig | 81625 | 64°F |
| Crested Butte | 81224 | 57°F |
| Crowley | 81033 | 73°F |
| Denver | 80201 | 52°F |
| Dinosaur | 81610 | 64°F |
| Durango | 81301 | 59°F |
| Englewood | 80110 | 52°F |
| Estes Park | 80511 | 52°F |
| Evergreen | 80437 | 52°F |
| Florence | 81226 | 73°F |
| Fort Collins | 80521 | 66°F |
| Glenwood Springs | 81601 | 57°F |
| Golden | 80401 | 52°F |
| Grand Junction | 81501 | 57°F |
| Greeley | 80631 | 66°F |
| Gunnison | 81230 | 57°F |
| Lakewood | — | 52°F |
| Limon | 80826 | 73°F |
| Littleton | 80120 | 52°F |
| Longmont | 80501 | 52°F |
| Louisville | 80027 | 52°F |
| Loveland | 80537 | 52°F |
| Montrose | 81401 | 57°F |
| Pagosa Springs | 81147 | 59°F |
| Parker | 80134 | 52°F |
| Pueblo | 81001 | 73°F |
| Silverthorne | 80497 | 52°F |
| Steamboat Springs | 80477 | 52°F |
| Thornton | 80241 | 52°F |
| U S A F Academy | 80840 | 73°F |
| Vail | 81657 | 52°F |
| Westminster | 80030 | 52°F |
| Wheat Ridge | 80033 | 52°F |
| Windsor | 80550 | 66°F |
| Woodland Park | 80863 | 52°F |
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 63°F, measured at 8 USDA and NOAA stations. Readings range from 52°F to 73°F depending on location and elevation. Soil across Colorado is running 2°F above the seasonal normal of 61°F for late September, 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), the national soil temperature by depth comparison, or the live national soil temperature map.