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Best time to visit Denver
Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.
Best time to visit Denver, United States
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -2-7°C, mostly sunny and dry with occasional snow | low | low |
⚠ Extreme cold snaps are possible, making outdoor activities challenging. | |
| February | 0-9°C, sunny with scattered snow showers | low | low |
⚠ Variable snow conditions can impact day trips to the mountains. | |
| March | 4-14°C, variable with sun, clouds, and snow | low | low |
⚠ Late-season snowstorms can still occur, impacting travel plans. | |
| April | 7-17°C, often sunny with rain and snow possible | moderate | moderate |
⚠ The 'mud season' in the mountains can make high-altitude hiking difficult. | |
| May | 12-22°C, generally sunny with occasional thunderstorms | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Afternoon thunderstorms can develop rapidly, especially in the foothills. | |
| June | 16-27°C, warm and sunny with low humidity | high | high |
⚠ Summer heat can build, but it is generally pleasant with low humidity. | |
| July | 18-30°C, hot and sunny with afternoon thunderstorms | high | high |
⚠ Afternoon thunderstorms are common and can bring hail. | |
| August | 17-29°C, warm and sunny with occasional thunderstorms | high | high |
⚠ Late summer can still see significant monsoon-influenced thunderstorms. | |
| September | 13-25°C, crisp and sunny with minimal rain | moderate | moderate |
⚠ This is often considered the sweet spot with ideal weather and fewer crowds than summer. | |
| October | 7-19°C, sunny and cool with a chance of early snow | moderate | moderate |
⚠ First snowfalls in the mountains are possible by late October. | |
| November | 1-10°C, increasingly cold and sunny with snow likely | low | moderate |
⚠ Weather becomes more unpredictable, with a higher chance of significant snowfall. | |
| December | -3-8°C, cold and sunny with frequent snow | high | high |
⚠ Christmas and New Year's week see peak holiday crowds and prices. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
A major rodeo, livestock show, and exposition with Western heritage events.
A city-wide celebration of arts and culture with free events and museum access.
The largest public beer competition and exhibition in the U.S. (Note: This is usually in early October, but the timing can shift slightly. The schema requires a single month.)
Showcasing a diverse range of independent films from around the world.
One of the largest LGBTQ+ festivals in the Rocky Mountain region.
A large food and music festival held in downtown Denver.
Denver's largest Oktoberfest celebration with German food, beer, and music.
Insider timing tips
- •Denver's high altitude means sunshine is intense year-round, even in winter. Pack sunscreen.
- •The 'monsoon season' from July to September can bring intense, short-lived thunderstorms, often in the afternoon, which can affect mountain travel.
- •Spring (March-May) weather is highly unpredictable. Ski resorts may still be open in March, while summer-like conditions can appear in May.
- •Shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer a good balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds than summer, and more reasonable prices.
- •While Denver itself sees less snow than many expect, mountain passes to ski resorts can be treacherous in winter and early spring.
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