Best Time to Visit Denver for Weather, Prices, and Crowds

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Denver is a unique city full of outdoor adventure, arts, and a thriving craft beer scene in the state of Colorado. Known as the mile-high city, Denver has an elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level, making it one of the loftiest cities in North America.

Also known as the gateway to the Rockies, Denver is east of the Rocky Mountains and offers many options for outdoor recreation. From hiking and biking to watersports and rock climbing, there's no shortage of adventure. Denver is also a popular destination for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.

Denver has a lively art and culture scene with its museums and art galleries, and festivals are held throughout the year. Also known for its craft beer scene, the Denver Beer Trail showcases over 100 breweries, pubs, and taprooms across Denver. With unique brews like sour cherry lager and chocolate peanut butter stout, no Denver itinerary is complete without a stop along the beer trail.

Denver has lots to offer, and every season is different; read on to learn the best time to visit Denver to take advantage of what's on your must-see list.

Are you on your way to Denver last-minute?

When visiting Denver, book your accommodations and experiences before you go. Below are some top recommendations to get you started.

🏨 Top accommodations in Denver

• La Quinta by Wyndham Denver Gateway Park (under $100 USD a night)
• The Slate Denver, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (rated highly)
• Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver (5-star rating)

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Denver

• Breckenridge Mountain Explorer (likely to sell out)
• Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak & the Garden of the Gods From Denver (likely to sell out)
• Breckenridge Ultimate Full Day Mountain Tour From Denver (rated highly)
• Discover Rocky Mountain National Park From Denver or Boulder (very popular)
• Half Day Rocky Mountain Escape (very popular)

Best Time to Go to Denver

Denver Vacation Planning Questions

When is the best time to visit Denver?

Denver is full of activities to do and adventures to embark on. Some are seasonal, and some are available year-round. Deciding on the best time to visit Denver depends on what activities you want to experience.

If exploring the mile-high city on foot is on your itinerary, summer (June, July, and August) is a great time to visit Denver. The summer months have some of the best weather for downtown walking tours, hiking in the Rockies, or strolling the famous Denver Beer Trail.

If sliding down snow-covered mountains is on your list, then winter or spring is the best time of year to visit Denver. There are countless activities, such as skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and snowmobiling, typically available from December through April.

When is the cheapest time to go to Denver?

The cheapest time to visit Denver is in January, and it's also the coldest, with temperatures in the 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit range. The tourist population steadily decreases as holiday travelers return home after the new year.

In January, you can find the cheapest airfare to Denver with online flight price data trackers showing savings of up to 42%. January offers the cheapest places to stay in Denver as hotels cut their prices to attract out-of-season travellers. Overall, January is a very budget-friendly time to visit the mile-high city.

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When is the cheapest time to fly to Denver?

The cheapest flights to Denver can be found in January. This is part of the low season due to colder weather, marking the end of the holiday travel season. According to online flight price data trackers, January flights to Denver can be up to 42% less.

Denver International Airport is the largest airport in the United States and the second largest in the world. Being such a central travel hub, there are usually plenty of airline options for those comparing prices.

What is the cheapest way to get to Denver?

The cheapest way to get to Denver depends on your departure point. Traveling by car is an option if you live in or near Colorado. A drive to Denver can also be quite scenic, making the experience even more enjoyable.

If you are coming from out of state, flying into Denver International Airport is your best option. Denver International Airport is a significant travel hub with plenty of flights; budget-friendly options will require a little research.

Once you arrive, those looking for the cheapest hotel in Denver will be spoilt for choice. Budget-friendly hotel chains throughout Denver include Days Inn, Holiday Inn, Motel 6, Super 8, and La Quinta.

What are the average temperatures in Denver?

The temperatures in Denver vary by season. Winter and spring (December through May) see average lows in the 20s and average highs in the 40s and 50s (degrees Fahrenheit). These months also have the most snowfall, especially in higher elevations.

Summer and fall (June through November) see average lows in the 40s and 50s and average highs in the 60s and 70s degrees Fahrenheit. The summer months of July and August are usually the hottest, with midday highs reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

When is the best season to visit Denver?

The best season to visit Denver depends on what activities you prefer. Denver is a top-rated destination for outdoor recreation. If hiking, biking, and watersports are on your agenda, summer (June, July, and August) may be your best season.

If you prefer to experience some or all of the winter sports that Denver is known for skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing, then winter (December, January, and February) is the best time to come. However, some areas still have plenty of snow in the spring. When deciding when to visit Denver, it's best to research the activities or events you look forward to most.

What is the average weather in Denver, Colorado?

The weather in Denver, Colorado, varies by season. Denver in spring (March through May) can be a mix of snow and sun with ranges in temperatures from the 20s to the 70s degrees Fahrenheit. Summer (June through August) is the warmest time of the year, with temperatures from the 50s to the 90s degrees Fahrenheit and some rain.

Fall (September through November) sees temperatures from the 30s to the 70s degrees Fahrenheit with cool breezy nights. Winter (December through February) is the coldest, with temperatures from the 20s to 40s degrees Fahrenheit and heavy snowfall.

While temperatures can vary drastically throughout the year, one thing Denver is known for year-round is sunshine. On average, Denver sees 245 days of sunshine per year.

When is the best time to go to Denver for snow?

Denver can see snow anytime from September to May, but generally, snow falls between late October and early April. The best snowfall occurs from January through March; this is considered the peak of the winter sports season and typically has the best snow conditions for skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and snow mobile tours.

When is the best time to visit Denver for fall colors?

Fall colors arrive in Denver mid-September, with golden hues throughout the higher elevations. By October, richer reds and oranges begin sweeping the valleys, and fall colors typically peak in Denver between the second and third week in October.

Sudden temperature changes can contribute to fall colors arriving earlier or later than expected. It is recommended to check the foliage forecast for your trip if seeing the lofty carpet of colors is a must-do item on your list!

When is the best time to visit Denver for hiking?

June, July, and August are considered the best time to visit Denver for hiking. The weather is pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from the 60s to the 80s degrees Fahrenheit.

While there are plenty of trails and outdoor spaces around Denver, nearby Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular places for hiking. The park boasts over 300 miles of hiking trails, and summer is probably the best time to access them. Group hiking tours in the Rockies are also incredibly popular in the summertime.

David A Litman/Shutterstock.com

When is the best time to visit Denver for skiing?

While skiing is typically available from December through April, January, February, and March are considered the best months to visit Denver for skiing. Snow conditions are peak for winter sports, and ski resorts are often jam-packed. While the resorts can be crowded, the slopes are usually expansive enough for skiers not to feel overwhelmed.

Presidents Day Weekend, which falls before the third Monday in February every year, is the busiest time for Colorado's ski resorts. Those wishing to avoid the crowds will prefer earlier February or perhaps January or March.

Weather, Prices, and Crowds in Denver

Denver in January

January is typically the coldest month in Denver, with temperatures ranging from the 20s to 40s degrees Fahrenheit and increased snowfall. Crowd levels are at their lowest in the city but rise in the mountains as tourists form queues for the snow-related amenities. January is part of the peak winter sports season. Skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling are popular activities.

Since it's the low season, budget-conscious vacationers should opt for January. Deals can be found on flights and hotels, and those willing to brave the cold will find less crowded outdoor activities. January visitors should beware that some roads and trails, especially in the Rockies, are closed due to icy conditions.

Denver in February

February in Denver is almost identical to January, with temperatures ranging from the 20s to 40s degrees Fahrenheit. Crowd levels are low, and it's still a budget-friendly time to visit as the reduced pricing continues on flights and hotels.

Winter sports are still in full swing in February, with the mountains full of skiers, snowshoers, snow tubers, snowboarders, and those snowmobiling. Some roads and hiking trails in the Rocky Mountains are closed due to hazardous conditions.

When you need a break from the frigid February air, there are plenty of indoor activities around Denver. The world-famous Denver Art Museum boasts a collection of over 70,000 pieces and is a great way to spend the day in downtown Denver.

Denver in March

March in Denver brings slightly warmer temperatures ranging from the 30s to the 60s degrees Fahrenheit. There's still plenty of snow on the ground for skiing, but slightly warmer, sunnier days offer a bit of reprieve from the cold.

Crowds in March pick up a bit, especially near spring break, which usually falls between mid-March and early April. Pricing on flights and hotels can range from moderate to high. Downtown is packed on March 17th for Denver's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, Festival, and Pub Crawl.

Denver in April

Denver in April sees warmer weather--30s to 60s degrees Fahrenheit, and an increase in crowd levels. Spring break tourists continue to populate the area until about mid-April, then start to drop off. By the end of April, lower pricing on flights and hotels can be found.

While there is still some snow, April usually marks the season's end for many ski resorts. Some loftier areas will continue to have limited activities based on snowfall levels.

From the Mile High Beer Festival showcasing the city's unique breweries to the Rocky Mountain Train Show exhibiting the area's locomotive history, April is a popular month for events in Denver.

Denver in May

May ushers in warmer weather with temperatures in the 40s to 70s degrees Fahrenheit. Further snowmelt means most skiing and winter sports are over. More roads and trails open up in the mountains, so hiking and scenic drives become more prevalent in May. May can be rainy, so pack your rain protection, especially if you plan to hike.

Daytime weather in May lends itself to exploring the city on foot, visiting art galleries, shops, restaurants, and Denver's famous breweries. Crowds are usually moderate in May, and deals can still be found on hotels and flights. Overall, May can be one of the best months to visit Denver!

Denver in June

June brings the start of summer in Denver, with daytime temperatures reaching up to 70s degrees Fahrenheit and possible rain showers. Tourist activity centers on hiking, biking, and watersports, especially in the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park.

With US schools going on summer break, crowd levels rise significantly. June marks the beginning of the high season. Some deals can still be found towards the beginning of the month, but by mid-June, pricing is usually at its peak.

June is the best time of year to go to Denver for events. From art festivals and concerts at the famous Red Rocks outdoor amphitheater to Denver Pride and Belgian Brewfest, Denver's calendar in June is plentiful.

Denver in July

July is one of the busiest months in Denver. Crowd levels reach an all-time high, especially near the Independence Day Holiday and Cherry Creek Arts Festival, which both occur in the first week of July. The streets of Denver are packed on July 4th with all-day festivities,s including parades, concerts, and fireworks!

After the first week of July, crowd levels are higher than those in the off-season. Visitors can still expect peak pricing on flights and hot, and some tours are also likely to sell out.

Hiking, biking, and watersports remain popular summer activities in Denver as temperatures hover in the 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit range. Zipline tours in the Rocky Mountains see long queues for this adrenaline-pumping activity.

Denver in August

August is one of the hottest months in Denver, with daytime temperatures that can reach into the 90s degrees Fahrenheit. Hiking, biking, and watersports are popular activities in August. When a break from the summer heat is needed, August is a great time to visit Denver's many museums, art galleries, shops, restaurants, and breweries.

As schools throughout the US return in mid to late August, crowds and pricing begin to drop. Late August visitors can find good deals on flights and hotels as Denver enters a shoulder season. Summer events begin to wind down in August, but concerts at the famous Red Rocks outdoor amphitheater and downtown art walks are still prevalent.

Denver in September

Denver in September brings cooler temperatures, fall colors, and the world-famous, Great American Beer Festival. For beer lovers, September is the best month to visit Denver. As the largest ticketed beer festival in the US, this event showcases over 500 breweries and hosts a whopping 40,000 visitors.

Fall colors appear in Denver around mid-September as temperatures begin to drop into the 50-degree Fahrenheit range, and leaves start to change hues. Hiking and scenic drives are popular in September to view the golden colors spreading throughout the mountains. Crowds and pricing in September remain moderate but with a surge around the beer festival towards the end of the month.

Denver in October

October in Denver ushers in the autumn season with Halloween events, pub crawls, pumpkin festivals, haunted houses, and ghost tours. Temperatures drop into the 30 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit range bringing forth more vibrant fall colors, peaking in mid to late October.

Upper elevations can experience early snow, so some mountain trails and roads begin to close in October. Crowds and pricing for flights and hotels can be low to moderate throughout October.

Denver in November

November in Denver sees temperature drops into the 20s to 50s degrees Fahrenheit, and there's the possibility of snow. Some skiing options may become available depending on the conditions but are usually limited.

Early November is Denver Arts Week, a weeklong festival showcasing local artists and celebrating Denver art culture. Denver's famous Christmas Market also opens in early to mid-November.

Crowds and pricing in November can be low to moderate, with a slight uptick near the Thanksgiving holiday around the third week in November.

Denver in December

December in Denver is one of the coldest months, with temperatures in the range of 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is likely and more winter sports areas will open as snowfall becomes heavier.

Except for the week of Christmas, crowds and pricing in December can be surprisingly low. Around the holidays, visitors will be treated to many light displays throughout the downtown area, holiday parades, festivals, and Denver's famous Christmas market.

In Summary

From the Rocky Mountains to the Denver Art Museum, there's no shortage of things to do in Denver. With activities for families, outdoor adventure seekers, art enthusiasts, craft beer lovers, and couples' date nights, Denver has something for everyone!

This article was edited by Henry Grahame.

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