Best time to visit · Denver · United States
The best time to visit Denver
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Sarbjit Bahga, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best times to visit Denver are June to September, when it is warm and sunny, Red Rocks concerts are in season and the mountains are open for hiking, with September often ideal for clear weather and golden aspens. Winter suits skiers, who can combine the city with mountain resorts, while spring is changeable with late snowstorms.
Key facts
- Best months
- June–September
- Shoulder season
- May and October
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 31°C (88°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 6°C (43°F))
- Rainiest month
- May (~11 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- January–February and November
Seasons
Denver has a semi-arid, four-season climate with low humidity and abundant sunshine. Summers are warm with afternoon thunderstorms, winters are cold but often sunny with snow that melts quickly in the city, and spring is changeable with late snowstorms possible into April or May.
March–May
Spring
Highly changeable, with warm sunny days and heavy wet snowstorms; March is often the snowiest month.
June–August
Summer
Warm and sunny with low humidity, afternoon thunderstorms, outdoor concerts and mountain hiking.
September–November
Autumn
Clear, mild September and October with golden aspens, then colder with the first snows in November.
December–February
Winter
Cold but often sunny in the city, with snow that rarely lasts; prime ski season in the mountains.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6°C | -8°C | 5 | 9.6 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| February | 7°C | -7°C | 6 | 10.6 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| March | 12°C | -3°C | 8 | 11.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 16°C | 1°C | 9 | 13.2 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 21°C | 6°C | 11 | 14.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 28°C | 12°C | 9 | 15 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| July | 31°C | 15°C | 9 | 14.7 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| August | 30°C | 14°C | 9 | 13.7 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| September | 25°C | 9°C | 6 | 12.4 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| October | 18°C | 2°C | 5 | 11.1 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 11°C | -4°C | 5 | 9.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 6°C | -8°C | 5 | 9.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | National Western Stock Show and Rodeo (usually January) |
| March | St Patrick's Day parade downtown (usually the Saturday before 17 March) |
| April | Easter sunrise service at Red Rocks (Easter Sunday) |
| May | Cinco de Mayo festival in Civic Center Park (around early May); Red Rocks concert season begins (usually spring) |
| June | Denver PrideFest (usually June) |
| July | Fourth of July fireworks (4 July) |
| September | Golden aspen season in the mountains (usually mid-September to early October); Great American Beer Festival (usually September or October) |
| November | Ski season opening at mountain resorts (usually November); Denver Christkindl Market (usually late November to December) |
| December | 9News Parade of Lights downtown (usually early December); Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens (usually December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in January–February and November, and the sights are quietest in January–February and November.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | A warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Denver?
The best times to visit Denver are June to September, when it is warm and sunny, Red Rocks concerts are in season and the mountains are open for hiking, with September often ideal for clear weather and golden aspens. Winter suits skiers, who can combine the city with mountain resorts, while spring is changeable with late snowstorms.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Denver?
Usually in January–February and November. Cold but often sunny; snow comes in short bursts and usually melts in days. Prime ski season in the mountains.
+What is the rainiest month in Denver?
May, with about 11 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Denver get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 31°C (88°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F).