The BEST Time to Visit Denver! [December 2024]

Denver, Colorado – the Mile High City – has become way more than an outdoor adventure lover’s destination. Although it certainly doesn’t hurt to an outdoorsy person to fully enjoy all of Denver’s fantastic offerings, it’s also a hip city that boasts a vibrant nightlife, five-star restaurants, trendy bars and a thriving cultural community. 

But Denver also experiences 4 distinct seasons, so you’ll want to take into account your most favorable travel conditions when picking your best time to visit Denver. The city actually claims 300 days of sunshine, but that doesn’t guarantee that other seasonal variations won’t affect your trip. Plus there are other things to consider like events and travel costs.

To help you narrow down the best time to visit Denver, we’ve put together this useful guide with the information you need to make the decision that works best for you! 

Let’s get started!

When is the best time of year to visit Denver?

The best time of year to visit Denver is, by and large, during the summer. The weather is at its best, days are long with lots of hours of sunshine to enjoy everything Denver has to offer. Plus, the city is alive with countless events, outdoor festivals and activities. With such prime conditions, just keep in mind that this is also the busiest season with the most visitors.

If you’re more about cold – and possibly snowy – weather, fewer crowds and the best travel deals, then spring or fall may be the best time of year to visit Denver for you. Unlike winter, when many activities may be affected or places shut down due to extreme weather conditions, fall and spring offer plenty of things to see and do.

What months are the best time to visit Denver?

For the best weather and greatest availability of events and festivals, the best months to visit Denver are June, July and August. The high temperatures in these months are hot – but not unbearably so – at an average 85℉ (30℃) and don’t go down to uncomfortable levels with average lows in the upper 50s℉ (10s℃). There’s also 16 hours of sunshine and a full spectrum of activities to choose from!

If you love changing foliage, crisp air and bundling up at night – in addition to calmer and less expensive conditions – then your best months to visit Denver would be September and October before things get too cold.

But conditions vary and change quickly, so let’s take a closer look by month.

Denver Weather in January

January is one of Denver’s coldest months with an average low of 17℉ (-8℃) and an average high of 45℉ (7℃). There’s an average of 7 inches of snow in January, so snowfall can be expected. You’re still likely to get sunshine but just be prepared for the freezing temperatures!  

Denver Events in January

• National Western Stockshow and Rodeo (mid-January)
  • For 16 days of true Denver tradition, you’ll want to attend this event that honors the area’s Old West heritage. Watch the best bull riders in action at the rodeos along with horse shows and competitions of every livestock animal you can imagine. Then you can shop til you drop at the massive shopping at what’s known as Colorado’s best and biggest Western trade show.
• Winter Brewfest (late January)
  • A ticket will get you unlimited tastings of some of the best local and national beer. The seasonal brews will surely keep you warm as you make your way through all the featured breweries and give them all a taste! There’s also live music and plenty of food to enjoy too.

Still haven’t booked for Denver? We’ve organized the best places to stay in Denver for all types of trips!

Denver Weather in February

The cold weather conditions of January continue into February, making proper layering and outerwear a requirement. You can expect an average low of 20℉ (-7℃) and an average high of 46℉ (8℃). The average snowfall is around 6 inches.

Denver Events in February

• Denver Restaurant Week (late February)
  • While you’re in Denver, you’d be wise to take advantage of great deals to try out the area’s top eateries. The Mile High City invites you to have a taste of its culinary offerings by hosting a restaurant week that offers special multi-course, prixe-fixe menus for $25, $35 or $45! This is a must-do for anyone visiting in late February – who doesn’t love an awesome meal at an awesome deal?
• Denver Family Fest (mid to late February)
  • As the name suggests, this is a great festival for the entire family to enjoy. There’s plenty of indoor entertainment available with vendor booths, kid-friendly performances and on-stage presentations, face painting, games and prizes. Kids get in free with the purchase of adult admission.

Not sure where to say? We’ve put together a list of Denver’s best hotels!

Denver Weather in March

Denver’s snowiest month actually occurs in March – in early spring – and not in winter as you might expect. This month has an average of almost 11 inches of snowfall, so March is the best time to visit Denver if snow is what you seek! You can expect an average low of 26℉ (-3℃) and an average high of 54℉ (12℃). 

Denver Events in March

• St. Patrick’s Day Parade (mid-March)
  • Downtown Denver hosts one of its biggest celebrations every year with the St. Paddy’s Day parade. There will be no shortage of green attire, leprechaun hats, decorated floats, kilts, bagpipes and Irish music at this event! You can also be sure that you’ll find plenty of green beer and Irish festivities taking place all day long at all the neighborhood pubs and bars.
•  Denver Home Show (mid-March)
  • For all things home related, you won’t be let down by this show. Celebrities in this space attend and give talks and presentations. Show features include Tiny Homes in the Small Space and Sustainable Living Hall, an intense competition of the best outdoor living areas with the Backyard Wars Showdown and marvelous presentations of Sogetsu Japanese flower arranging. If you’re a DIY-er, this event is for you!

Editor’s Note: You might also like to look at our best hotel recommendations in Downtown Denver.

Denver Weather in April

April brings on the start of a warmer, albeit still snowy, spring season. Temperatures inch up to a warmer average high of 61℉ (16℃) while average lows remain chilly at 34℉ (1℃). Average snowfall remains quite high at almost 7 inches. Springtime can be one of the best times to visit Denver because of the beautiful blooms and butterflies that take over the city, but you have to be prepared for possible plan cancellations due to variable weather.

Denver Events in April

• Denver Auto Show (early April)
  • Colorado’s largest auto show takes place every year at the Colorado Convention Center Denver.  It’s a grand showcase of the newest model year vehicles for both domestic and imports with every type and model you available under one roof. There are also sneak peeks of concept cars and an insider look at tricked out cars. You’ll get up-close opportunities with race cars at the Race Car Pit Stop showcase, antique vehicles at the Antique Road Show and off roading on an indoor track at Camp Jeep.

Planning a trip? See our list of the best things to see in Denver!

Denver Weather in May

Temperatures continue warming up as spring carries on and summer lurks around the corner. May is Denver’s wettest month as rain replaces the snow with an average of 2 ½ inches of rainfall. You’ll find pleasant average highs of 71℉ (22℃) and still-chilly lows of 44℉ (7℃). 

Denver Events in May

• Cinco de Mayo Denver (weekend closest to May 5)
  • For a truly fun cultural celebration, head to Civic Center Park for Cinco de Mayo weekend. Not only is there a lively parade, traditional dance and music performances and amazing food – but there are also uniquely entertaining feature events like a taco eating contest and a lowrider car show. Did we mention that there are also chihuahua races? If that doesn’t pique your interest, we don’t know what will!
• Denver Arts Festival (late May)
  • Over Memorial Day weekend, this annual arts festival highlights some of Colorado’s – and a select few of the nation’s – best artists in the areas of fine arts and fine crafts. The event attracts over 50,000 visitors every year and has been running for over 20 years,

Have some time in Denver? These are our favorite day trips from Denver!

Denver Weather in June

Denver’s warm season begins in June as daytime temperatures reach an average high of 81℉ (27℃) which makes this month the best time to visit Denver for many. There’s always a chance of sudden rain but is usually quick to pass, making for mostly toasty, sunny days. Nighttime temperatures keep things cool with average lows of 53℉ (12℃). 

Denver Events in June

• Denver Chalk Art Festival (early June)
  • For a cool, free event head to Denver’s most historic block, Larimer Square, where over 200 talented artists transform the streets into an open-air gallery of chalk art. You’ll be amazed at the masterpieces and magic they create with chalk! There’s also an amazing line-up of live music and other entertainment going on all weekend long. It’s definitely worth checking out!
• Hudson Garden Summer Concert Series (starts in June)
  • A Denver summer favorite is the concert series hosted by the Hudson Gardens and Event Center every summer season. Not only are A-list national and international artists featured at this event, but the venue itself is outstanding. You’ll also find food trucks, beer, wine and just about anything else you need for a perfect outdoor concert experience!

Short on time? One of these tours in Denver is the best way to see the most!

Denver Weather in July

July is Denver’s hottest months as average daytime temperatures reach highs of 88℉ (31℃). Nighttime temperatures remain on the cool but pleasant side with average lows of 53℉ (15℃). Like in June, quick storms are possible but won’t be anything severe enough to ruin any plans and are why so many events take place this month.

Denver Events in July

• Fourth of July Celebrations (July 3)
  • You can be sure that Denver doesn’t skimp out when it comes to the 4th of July festivities! The Mile High City hosts a number of outdoor events – most of which are free – for several days around Independence Day. The biggest July 4th celebration takes place at Civic Center Park where crowds gather for picnics and fun while they wait for the fireworks finale extravaganza.
• Greeley Stampede (early July)
  • This event brings together so many fun things into one two-week event, there’s no way you won’t find something you like! The event highlights include PRCA rodeo, monster trucks, live country music and one of the biggest 4th of July parades you can find. How about a demolition derby and roller derby? It’s got those too!

Editor’s Tip: check out the most awesome flea markets in Denver before you book your itinerary

Denver Weather in August

• Denver’s weather conditions in August are much the same as July’s – hot days and cooler nights – keeping the summer buzz alive. You can expect an average low of 57℉ (14℃) and an average high of 86℉ (30℃) with plenty of sunshine and daylight hours to enjoy the great outdoors.

Denver Events in August

• Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest (early August)
  • If you’re a supporter of local music and of discovering local talent, this 3-day event is perfect for you. Held in downtown Fort Collins, this music festival is all about giving the stage – actually, 8 stages – to Colorado-based talent. Established stars and rising stars rock out for free performances for all to enjoy.
• Red Rocks Summer Concert Series (all summer)
  • Every summer season the Red Rocks Amphitheatre – known as the only existing acoustically perfect and naturally formed amphitheater – hosts summer concerts in every genre of music with up-and-coming and headlining artists. Catch a show at this natural wonder, or go adjacent Red Rocks Park for a yoga or fitness classes, or for a hike on one of its many hiking trails.

Want to go deeper? These great museums in Denver are perfect for learning a little more.

Denver Weather in September

With warm days, cool nights and more calm after the Labor Day weekend, September can also be considered the best time to visit Denver. If you prefer that arrival-of-fall crispness in the air with some lingering summer warmth, this could be your month! You can expect comfortable temperatures ranging from a high of 77℉ (25℃) and a low of 48℉ (9℃).

Denver Events in September

• A Taste of Colorado (early September)
  • Labor Day weekend is always a blast in Denver, largely due to this event, one of the area’s most anticipated weekend events. Free live music concerts across 3 stages take place all throughout the weekend with local and headlining artists and bands. The best of Colorado fare is represented with over 50 food trucks and restaurants. There are also plenty of browsing and shopping opportunities at the arts and crafts marketplace that features over 175 booths with artisan items ranging from jewelry to home decor. There’s fun to be had by everyone!
• Denver Oktoberfest (late September)
  • Held over 2 weekends in one of the city’s historic neighborhoods, Larimer Street is transformed into a German village celebrating all things Oktoberfest. You’ll cheers with over 250,000 merrymakers that attend this event every year and can participate in a number of entertaining activities including bratwurst eating contests, stein hoisting, keg bowling, costume contests and lots of live music!

Denver Weather in October

October temperatures drop considerably from those typically found in September as autumn conditions settle in. Daytime temperatures cool down to a balmy 65℉ (18℃) and nights require thicker layers as average lows dip down to 36℉ (2℃).

Denver Events in October

• Great American Beer Festival (early October)
  • As one of the largest beer festivals in the entire USA, you’ll want to grab your tickets for this 3-day event if you’re a beer lover visiting Denver in October! In addition to thousands of brews represented, you’ll get the chance to enjoy chef-created pairings of beer and food, introductions to the brewers and owners of top craft breweries, multiple music stages, the Jameson Caskmates Barrel Aged Beer Garden and much more. If you’re in the mood for beer and entertainment, you won’t be disappointed!
• Corn Maze (through October)
  • Have some autumn fun winding your way through the Denver Botanical Garden’s 7-acre corn maze. There’s a kid-friendly version with hayrides, pony rides and human hamster balls. Or, there’s the After Dark Corn Maze where the braver types find their way through the maze in darkness with just the light of a glow stick to guide the way! For visitors ages 13+ there’s also a spooky Halloween version that involves a haunted maze and lots of screams.

Denver Weather in November

Chilly days and cold nights take over at the height of fall in November. You’ll want to pack sweaters and a warm jacket as the average high dips to 52℉ (11℃) and lows get down to the 20s℉ (-0℃). November is also the start of the snow season with average snowfall for the month reaching over 8 1/2 inches.

Denver Events in November

• Mac‘n Cheese Fest (early November)
  • The name says it all! Come hungry for unlimited sampling of gourmet-style mac ‘n cheese as chefs compete for the best mac by putting their own spin on this childhood-favorite dish. You want to cast a fair vote, so you’ll have to be sure to try them all!
• Denver Christkindl Market (starts late November)
  • Get into the holiday spirit at this European-inspired Christmas market featuring vendors from Germany, Ireland, Ukraine, Ireland and local artisans offering unique gift ideas from handmade candles to hand-carved wooden figurines. Taste the many traditional German holiday treats and stay warm with a warm cup of glühwein (warm spiced wine). Settle into the holiday atmosphere even more with Christmas carols and live music. 

Denver Weather in December

Winter officially arrives in December, Denver’s coldest month. You’ll want to bundle up for the wintertime temperatures that average at a high of 43℉ (6℃) and a get down to a frosty 17℉ (-8℃) and sometimes lower. Be prepared for snowy conditions, as December sees an average of over 8 inches of snowfall.

Denver Events in December

• Blossoms of Light (all-month)
  • The Denver Botanical Garden again transforms into a new world at one of its signature events, the holiday season lights extravaganza. There are timed tickets available because this event is that popular! The landscape of twinkling lights create awe-inspiring views at every turn and will surely leave you impressed. It’s a must-see!
• New Year’s Eve Celebrations (Dec. 31)
  • As you may expect, there’s definitely no shortage of New Year’s Eve celebrations to be found in Denver! For the best fireworks show, join the crowd at the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver. There are 2 awesome shows at 9 pm and at midnight that are synched to live music playlists from DJs performing along the mall. There are also plenty of NYE parties happening at the Civic Center, Union Station and at many of Denver’s biggest hotels. And with the countless hip bars and excellent restaurants around town, you won’t have to search very hard to find a cool way to ring in the new year!

 

What is the best time to visit Denver weather-wise?

Denver offers beautiful scenery and things to do year-round, which is why it’s such a desirable destination. But the cold, snowy winters can sometimes interfere with travel plans – unless bundling up and snow activities are top your wishlist. In which case, winter is the best time to visit Denver weather-wise! 

For outdoor activities – not involving snow – and to experience Denver’s most active season, summer is the best time to visit Denver. With warm weather that’s not too hot and long days, Denver is ideal in terms of weather conditions. There may be more tourists around, but the number of outdoor events and festivals with a mountainous landscape make for a worthwhile experience!

 

Final thoughts on the best time of year to visit Denver

The good news is that Denver will wow you with its natural beauty and show you a wonderful time no matter when you decide to book your travel. Whether it’s warm and sunny or the days are cold and stormy, Denver’s splendor always shines through! So don’t worry about not going in the right month, as almost any time can be the best time of year to visit Denver. There’s nature, food, drink and entertainment food aplenty to be enjoyed year-round, so go ahead and get excited to have a blast in the Mile High City!

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