Best Time for Exterior Painting in Colorado: A Seasonal Guide

Colorado's unpredictable weather makes exterior painting timing crucial for project success. Paint that job during the wrong season and you could end up with poor adhesion, premature peeling, or uneven application. In this guide, we'll walk you through the best times to paint your Colorado home's exterior and what conditions you need to watch for.

What Makes Colorado's Climate Challenging

Colorado's semi-arid climate presents unique painting challenges. We experience:

• Intense UV radiation: 300+ days of sunshine annually
• Extreme temperature swings: 40-50 degree daily variations aren't uncommon
• Low humidity: Can cause paint to dry too quickly and crack
• High altitude: Affects paint drying times and adhesion
• Hail and severe weather: Sudden storms can damage wet paint

The Best Seasons for Exterior Painting

Late Spring (May)

Rating: Excellent

Late May is often the ideal time for exterior painting in Colorado. Temperatures are consistently in the 60-75°F range, humidity is moderate, and you have plenty of daylight. Spring storms have typically passed, and early summer storms haven't begun. This window usually offers the most stable weather conditions.

Early Summer (June - Early July)

Rating: Good

Early summer remains a strong choice, with warm temperatures ideal for paint curing. However, late June and early July bring Colorado's monsoon season with afternoon thunderstorms. Schedule painting for early morning hours and watch forecasts carefully. The extended daylight is an advantage.

Early Fall (August - September)

Rating: Very Good

Late summer into early fall is an excellent window. Monsoon season ends, temperatures are mild to warm, and humidity is still reasonable. August and September typically offer very stable weather patterns, making this perhaps the second-best time for exterior painting in Colorado. Many professional painters recommend fall as their preferred season.

Critical Weather Requirements for Painting

Regardless of season, your painting contractor should only proceed when conditions meet these requirements:

Temperature

• Most exterior paints require 50-85°F temperatures
• Avoid painting if temperatures will drop below 50°F within 12-24 hours of application
• Early morning and evening hours may be too cold even in summer

Humidity

• Ideal humidity is 40-60%
• Very low humidity (below 30%) causes paint to dry too quickly and crack
• High humidity (above 70%) prevents proper curing

Rain and Storms

• No rain for at least 12-24 hours after application
• Check forecasts for the entire curing period, not just application day
• Colorado's pop-up thunderstorms require close weather monitoring

Wind

• Strong winds can push paint around and cause uneven coverage
• Wind also increases evaporation, potentially causing adhesion problems
• Most professionals avoid painting on days with winds over 20 mph

Surface Preparation Requirements

Regardless of season, proper preparation is critical in Colorado:

• Clean all surfaces thoroughly (high altitude dust is more prevalent)
• Remove old, failing paint with power washing or hand scraping
• Caulk all cracks and gaps (Colorado's dry climate creates more cracks)
• Prime any bare wood exposed during preparation

Planning Your Painting Project

Based on Colorado's weather patterns, here's the ideal timeline:

1. Best Option: Schedule for late May through early June or August through September
2. Work with professionals: They monitor forecasts and adjust timing accordingly
3. Allow extra time: Colorado's variable weather may require flexibility in schedules
4. Quality primer: Use premium primers designed for Colorado's climate and high altitude
5. Paint selection: Choose exterior paint formulations rated for UV resistance and extreme temperatures