Known as the Mile High City, Denver, Colorado, is a beautiful city with great weather and ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
Wondering what climate zone is Denver? The Denver climate is semi-arid, with a high desert, which indicates four distinct seasons, low humidity, mild temperatures, and an abundance of sunshine. As a result, it’s a popular destination for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.
Denver is known for its sunny weather and occasional snowfall, which makes for great skiing and snowboarding. It's the largest city in the state, located in north central Colorado in the heart of the Front Range Corridor, between the Rocky Mountains and the High Plains. Its nickname comes from its high altitude, which is 5280 feet above sea level.
Keep in mind that there's a major difference between the Denver Colorado climate and weather. Weather refers to short-term changes in the atmosphere, while climate refers to long term weather patterns in an area over a consistent length of time. The distinction may seem minor, but it's important to get a full picture of what the climate in Denver Colorado will be like.
In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about the Denver climate and what to expect if you plan on visiting or moving.
Denver Seasons
Before exploring Denver's average high temperature by month, it helps to understand the differences between each season. The Denver climate is characterized by four distinct seasons, each offering a healthy mix of sunny days, snowy winters, and a dynamic environment with differing temperatures throughout the year.
Its semi-arid climate means it's primarily dry year-round, though it has a wet season in spring and summer. Its landlocked position means it doesn't suffer from hurricanes, but it does experience severe thunderstorms, hail, and heatwaves. Here is a look at the Denver climate data and Denver’s average daily high temperature by month.
Spring in Denver
Spring in Denver starts in late March and lasts through the end of June. It's a transitional period for the city as the snow begins to melt and flowers start to bloom. You can expect temperatures that range from the mid-40s to the mid-60s, with some nights dipping into the 30s.
In Spring, the Denver climate tends to fluctuate as it may be sunny and warm one day, then snowy and damp the next. However, afternoon thunderstorms in spring tend to be strong yet swift and end as quickly as they appear. The average rainfall in Denver in the spring is 1.7 inches.
Spring is a great time to visit some of Denver's many parks, museums, and outdoor attractions. The Denver Botanic Garden is a great attraction to check out in the spring, as the flowers are starting to bloom fully. You can also head to some of the cities near Denver, like Cherry Creek, Lakewood, and Castle Pines.
Summer in Denver
Denver's summer weather tends to be warm and dry, with hot days and cool nights. Temperatures typically range from the mid-50s to the mid-80s, though they can reach the 90s or even crack 100°F during the peak of summer. The hottest month in Denver is July, and the average humidity during that month is 45%.
The best part of Denver's climate is enjoying the outdoors and visiting Denver's many parks, hiking trails, and nature preserves. Red Rocks Amphitheater and Cherry Creek State Park are popular summertime destinations for Denver residents. However, you should also pay attention to the Denver climate forecast before going, as thunderstorms, hailstorms, and tornadoes are fairly common in the summer months.
Fall in Denver
Fall in Denver starts in mid-October and tends to last into mid-November (although technically, winter starts in late December). It's a gorgeous time of year for the Denver climate as the leaves start to change colors and the air begins to cool down.
Average temperatures in the fall tend to start around the mid-60s in September and dip down to the 40s by November. The weather can be a bit of a mixed bag, with sunny afternoons, overcast days, and even the occasional snowstorm in the later months.
Many people consider autumn to be the best Denver weather by month. It's a great time for the Denver climate to hike in the Rocky Mountains or Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Seasonal events like the Anderson Farms Fall Festival and the Great American Beer Festival are also excellent fall activities.
Winter in Denver
Winter in Denver starts in December and lasts through mid-March. Although it experiences cold weather with high winds due to its mountain location, winters are generally pretty mild compared to many places. The Denver climate in winter features a mix of sunny days and snowy afternoons, which offer great conditions for Denver winter activities like skiing and snowboarding.
It does snow in Denver. The average winter temperature in Denver goes from a high of 48°F to a low of 20°F on the coldest nights. December tends to be the coldest month, with an average temperature of 30°F. While not the coldest Denver average temperatures per month, you'll still want to pack a hat and some gloves if you're used to a warmer climate.
Due to its position in the Rocky Mountains, Denver weather averages a considerable number of blizzards and winter flurries. The average snowfall in Denver during winter is 57 inches. Winter is the perfect time to hit the slopes in the Rocky Mountains or visit the Denver Downtown Rink.
Denver Weather Monthly | Denver Average Temperature By Month
In addition to studying the overall Denver climate, it also helps to look at the average temperature in Denver by month to show what you can expect throughout the year. Here is a closer look at Denver’s average temperature per month, so you feel prepared.
Denver Weather in January
The average temperature in January is 33°F, with a high of 46°F and a low of 23°F. There is an average of about 0.64 inches of precipitation, making it the driest season in Denver. One of Denver's biggest annual events, the National Western Stock Show, takes place in January. It attracts thousands of visitors with rodeos, horse racing, and musical performances.
Denver Weather in February
Denver's winter weather is in full effect in February. The average temperature is 35°F, with an average high of 49°F and an average low of 26°F. Denver’s average snowfall in February is about 0.73 inches.
Denver Weather in March
March is Denver's snowiest month and the best time of year for snow-related events. The average temperature in Denver in March is 43°F, with a daily high of 57°F and a low of 32°F. The average snowfall is about 1.88 inches.
Denver Weather in April
April marks the Denver climate when spring weather begins to emerge. The average temperature in Denver in April is 50°F, with a high of 64°F and a low of 39°F. It also gets about 2.2 inches of precipitation.
Denver Weather in May
Historically, May features the most Denver rain, with an average precipitation of 2.56 inches. It's also when the weather is finally warm enough for a T-shirt, averaging 59°F with a low of 47°F and a high of 72°F.
Denver Weather in June
June is also a very pleasant month for the Denver climate, with an average temperature of 70°F. The low is 57°F, while the high is 83°F, and the average precipitation is 2.05 inches. It's also when the annual Juneteenth Music Festival takes place, one of the largest Juneteenth Celebrations in the country.
Denver Weather in July
July is very hot and dry, and it's typically the warmest month of the year in the Denver climate. The average temperature in Denver in July is 75°F with a low of 62°F and a high of 88°F. It averages 1.68 inches of precipitation.
Denver Weather in August
August is also quite warm, with an average temperature of 73°F. The average low is 60°F, and the average high is 86°F. It gets about 2.01 inches of precipitation.
Denver Weather in September
September is when the Denver climate starts to cool, and fall begins to creep in. The average temperature in Denver in September is 65°F, with a high of 79°F and a low of 52°F. It averages 1.13 inches of precipitation.
Denver Weather in October
October features a mix of warm days and cool nights with the occasional snowfall. The average temperature in Denver in October is 52°F, with a high of 67°F and a low of 41°F. The average precipitation is 1.43 inches.
Denver Weather in November
November is typically a chilly time for the Denver climate, with a good possibility of snow. Its average temperature is 41°F, with a low of 31°F and a high of 54°F, and it typically gets about 1.09 inches of precipitation. Denver Arts Week, an annual festival dedicated to music, film, theater, comedy, museums, and more, takes place in November.
Denver Weather in December
December is traditionally Denver's coldest month. The average temperature is 32°F, with a high of 46°F and a low of 23°F. The average precipitation is about 0.83 inches.
Annual Denver Climate Statistics
Now that you're up to speed on Denver's average temperature per month, it may help to see the overall outlook throughout the year. Here are a few important statistics on the weather in Denver year-round.
- Denver average sunny days: 245 (205 is the US average)
- Denver annual rainfall: 17 inches (38 inches is the US average)
- Denver annual snowfall: 60 inches (28 inches is the US average)
- Coldest month: December (average low of 23°F)
- Hottest month: July (average high of 88°F)
- Driest month: January (average precipitation of 0.64 inches)
- Wettest month: May (average precipitation of 2.56 inches)
- Rainiest month: July (8.6 rainy days on average)
- Most humid month: December (average humidity in Denver in December is 56%)
- Snowiest month: March
- Sunniest month: September
- Denver coldest record cold temperature: - 29°F - July 9th, 1875
- Denver record high temperature: 105°F - June 28th, 2019
Extreme Weather In Denver
The Denver climate is known to experience a variety of extreme weather events, including thunderstorms, hail, tornadoes, flash floods, and high winds. Severe thunderstorms are quite common in the Front Range, especially in spring and summer. These storms typically produce heavy rain, hail, and harsh winds. The Front Range is situated in the heart of "Hail Alley," which features the highest frequency of hail in North America.
Hail season typically lasts from mid-April until September, and Colorado residents can expect three or four severe hailstorms per year.
Colorado is also prone to high winds due to its mountainous environment. Winds can often reach speeds of 60-80 mph. The Chinook winds, warm, dry winds that flow down the Rocky Mountains, can reach speeds of up to 100 mph.
While not particularly common, tornadoes occasionally occur near Denver. Between 1950 and 2012, there were 15 recorded tornadoes in Denver County. In 2008, a tornado ripped through the municipality of Windsor, causing over $125 million in damages.
Best Time to Visit Denver
The best time to visit Denver is usually April and May or September and October. That's when the Denver climate is at its mildest, and you'll find the widest range of activities available.
The spring is great for seeing the flowers blossom and visiting attractions like the Denver Zoo or Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater. The fall is a great time to go on a nature hike or attend annual festivals like the Elitch Gardens Fright Fest.
Although a bit colder, you'll also find plenty of things to do in Denver in winter. It's a great time to check out the Winter Park or Breckenridge ski resorts. It really depends on your interests and reasons for visiting, as you'll find plenty of fun things to do in Denver at any time of the year.
Denver Climate FAQs
What Makes Denver’s Climate Unique Compared to Other U.S. Cities?
The climate stands out largely because of Denver's location near the Western edge of the Great Plains and close to the nearby mountains of the Rockies. This geography creates frequent weather shifts in the Denver area, where mountain systems influence storms and temperature swings throughout the year.
How Sunny Is Denver Throughout the Year?
Denver is famous for its abundant sunshine, with many days featuring clear skies and bright conditions thanks to its elevation in the northern hemisphere. Even during winter, the sun often appears, which helps maintain relatively comfortable conditions compared to many cities at similar latitudes.
Does Denver Experience Strong Winds During the Year?
Yes. The city regularly sees gusty conditions influenced by mountain airflow and pressure changes between the west and east. Meteorologists track the average wind speed across the metro area, and March is often considered the windiest month due to seasonal atmospheric transitions.
Why Does Denver Often Have Mild Temperatures Despite Its Elevation?
Despite being high above sea level, the city frequently enjoys moderate temperatures thanks to warm Chinook winds descending from the mountains. According to the national oceanic climate monitoring agencies, these warming winds can rapidly increase daytime highs, helping create what many residents consider an ideal climate.
Does Denver Experience Tornadoes or Other Severe Weather?
Although Colorado is sometimes associated with Tornado Alley, tornadoes near Denver are relatively rare. Weather patterns in the Denver area are influenced by other factors such as mountain airflow and regional pressure systems, but storms still allow residents to enjoy year round activities across seasons.
Does Daylight Change Throughout the Year in Denver?
Because Denver sits in the northern hemisphere, daylight varies significantly across seasons. Around the winter solstice, the shortest day occurs in December when daylight hours are limited. Still, the city often experiences bright conditions thanks to its high elevation and typically dry atmosphere.
Ready to Settle Down in Denver?
Thinking about settling down in the Mile High City to experience the amazing Denver climate and the moderate Denver temperature throughout the year? The Denver weather year round is quite pleasant, making it a great place to settle down.
Trust the team of dedicated Denver movers at Homegrown Movers to make your relocation as seamless as possible. Call (303) 587-6200 today for a free quote from our reliable crew.
