Why Now is the Best Time to Visit the Mile High City Before the Chill Sets In

So, when is the best time to visit Denver, the capital of Colorado, gateway to the majestic Rocky Mountains and a thriving craft beer scene?

Based on my own experiences going twice in winter and once in spring, it is positively freezing in the winter, but sick for snow sports!

Denver’s climate ranges from hot summers to freezing winters, with occasional snowfall and a high altitude to consider. So, let’s take a closer look at the visitor seasons in Denver:

• Best Season: April to May or September to October
• Peak Season: Typically June to September or December to March for skiing
• Off-Peak Season: Early Spring and Late Fall

Now, let’s dive deeper into the seasons, highlight must-see events, and there’s even a monthly weather chart. Whether you’re planning a one day trip to Denver or an extended stay, hiking the trails or sampling local brews, these are the best times to go.

Best Time to Visit Denver

Best Time of Year to Visit

The absolute best time to hit up Denver really depends on what you’re after, but to catch the city at its most lively and with the best weather, aim for late April to May or early fall, from September to October. These months serve up that sweet spot where the weather is neither too hot nor too chilly, perfect for brewery patio hopping or enjoying the many parks without a snow jacket. Plus, the fall foliage is really something, and the city isn’t swarmed with tourists like in the peak summer months.

Best Time for Good Weather

For the best weather, the picture-perfect months are April to May and September to October. Expect clear, sunny skies and moderate temperatures ranging from 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. You definitely won’t be in the scorching heat or frigid cold.

Best Time to Avoid Crowds

If you plan to dodge the crowds, just don’t come in the summer. But the off-season shoulder months are when tourist traffic thins out significantly because the summer festivals have wrapped up, and the ski season hasn’t kicked into full gear yet. You’ll find the streets and trails are more peaceful, with parks like City Park seeing just a handful of visitors on weekdays.

Cheapest Time to Visit

To snag the best deals, swing by Denver during the off-peak window of early spring or late fall. This is when you’ll find hotel rates taking a nosedive compared to the high seasons.

Worst Time to Visit Denver

Honestly, if there’s a time you might want to skip hitting up Denver, it’s during the dead of winter, particularly from late December through January. This period can be a real deal-breaker with bone-chilling cold snaps (we’re talking temperatures that can drop well below freezing) and icy sidewalks.

Unless you’re there exclusively for the skiing, the short days and frequent snowstorms can really put a damper on exploring the city. I did go once for the New Year’s, so the lights and festivities were lovely, but I was definitely cold the whole time.

Seasons of Denver

Spring (March to May)

As snow melts and green appears in Denver, city events and outdoor activities start in spring.

The temperatures range from a brisk 30 degrees in the early mornings of March to a much more comfortable 70 degrees as May marches on. However, spring in Denver is also known for its unpredictability. Locals often joke that you can experience all four seasons in a single day. It’s not uncommon to be sipping your coffee in the sunshine one moment and reaching for an umbrella the next as a sudden snow shower or rainstorm rolls through.

Despite the capricious climate, spring is the time to visit Denver Botanic Gardens, especially during late April, when the tulips are in full bloom. If you’re into marathons or outdoor festivals, the calendar starts to fill up with such events. The season is also the start of Denver’s farmers’ markets.

Key Events:

• Bud Light Rocks the Boat (April): A fun-filled festival where music and beer come together. Enjoy great tunes while sipping on some Bud Light.
• Mile High Beer Festival (April): This festival is for craft beer lovers with a wide range of local and international brews.
• Taste Of Vail (April): Experience the best of Vail’s culinary scene at this mouth-watering event.
• Cardboard Classic (April): Get creative and join the race with sleds made from cardboard.
• Colorado Tartan Day Festival (April): Welcome Scottish heritage with traditional music, dance, and plenty of tartan.

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Denver is when locals and tourists flock to appreciate sunshine-filled days that seem to stretch on forever — with the sun not setting until around 8 PM. Temperatures hover comfortably in the 70s and 80s, though it’s not unusual for the mercury to spike into the 90s during July and August.

Among the signature features of a Denver summer is going biking, running, paddle boarding on Sloan’s Lake, or lazing in the grass at Washington Park.

Festivals? From the Denver BBQ Festival to the High Plains Comedy Festival, these events capture Denver’s sociable and laid-back vibe. It’s also perfect timing for baseball fans to catch a Colorado Rockies game at Coors Field.

The city’s breweries often feature summer saison and lighter ales, and if you’re all about the music, Red Rocks Amphitheatre hosts concerts in what is arguably one of the coolest venues in the country.

But summer in Denver isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Expect sporadic afternoon thunderstorms, that roll in fast, but they leave just as quickly, typically giving way to clear evenings.

Key Events:

• Cherry Blossom Festival (June): Celebrate Japanese culture with activities like tea ceremonies, martial arts demonstrations, and of course, beautiful cherry blossoms.
• Greeley Stampede (June– July): An exciting blend of rodeo events, concerts, and parades to celebrate Colorado’s Western heritage.
• Colorado Shakespeare Festival (July – August): A summer tradition for all literature and theater lovers, this festival presents some of Shakespeare’s best works.
• TOP TACO (August): Local restaurants compete for the title of ‘Top Taco’, while you get to enjoy all the delicious entries.
• Chicken Fight (August): Denver’s ultimate fried chicken competition. Local chefs battle it out to see who can create the tastiest, most inventive chicken dish.

Fall (September to November)

Fall in Denver means crisp air, golden aspens, and the anticipation for the first snowfall.

The residents trade in festival shorts for cozy sweaters. Temperatures dial back to a comfortable range between the 50s and 70s. This temperature-sweet spot invites hikers and mountain bikers to hit the trails and for photographers to go chasing the change of colors.

The Great American Beer Festival in September hands out endless samples of ales and lagers that you’ve probably never heard of but will definitely want to fill your growlers with. The Harvest Week in October has all of Denver’s top restaurants showcasing the best of the harvest season’s bounty.

Fair warning: those sudden temperature drops bring the first snows, often as early as October.

Key Events:

• Downtown Boulder’s Fall Fest (September): An event with live music, local food, and artist booths.
• Chile & Frijoles Festival (September): A festival that celebrates Pueblo chiles and frijoles.
• Denver Oktoberfest (September): Pull on your lederhosen and raise a stein to this German festival, featuring traditional music, German food, and plenty of beer.
• Great American Beer Fest (September): America’s most significant beer festival and competition, bringing together the brewers and diverse beers that make the U.S. the world’s most exciting beer destination.
• Poudre Pour (October): A local beer festival celebrating the craft beer culture in Colorado.
• Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival (October): A gathering of distillers from Colorado and beyond sharing their finest spirits
• Fright Fest (October): Get spooky at Elitch Gardens’ Halloween event, with haunted houses, rides, and family-friendly activities.
• Glow at the Gardens (October): Experience the botanical gardens in a new light, quite literally, with glowing pumpkin sculptures and more.
• Denver International Wine Festival (November): This festival showcases the largest selection of international and domestic wines at any Grand Tasting in the Rocky Mountains.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Denver is a mix of city lights and snowy nights. While the temperatures can hover between the 20s to 45s, locals know that when the sun’s out, Denver winter can feel surprisingly pleasant.

The mountains are more than just a pretty backdrop during these months; skiers and snowboarders flock to nearby resorts like Winter Park and Breckenridge, a short drive away.

Denver’s holiday vibe is infectious, with the city dressed up in twinkling lights and festive décor. The Denver Christkindl Market in December gives you a slice of Europe with its artisanal goods and mulled wine, while the New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the 16th Street Mall starts the year off with a literal bang.

One thing to note, snowstorms can sweep in leaving a thick blanket of snow or, just as quickly, a 60-degree day might pop up. The roads are generally clear in the city, but do watch for those icy patches. Winter tires or a good set of chains aren’t a bad idea. At least, I always carry one, from past mistakes learned.

Key Events:

• Blossoms of Light (December): Denver Botanic Gardens lights up the night with colorful illuminations.
• Winter Brew Fest (January): Warm up with unlimited tastings of some of the best brews from local and national craft breweries.
• National Western Stock Show & Rodeo (January): Experience the tradition of rodeo and stock shows.
• Denver Winter Brew Fest (January): Celebrate craft beverages featuring live music, food, and samples from dozens of breweries.

Denver Weather By Month

Below is a detailed overview of Denver’s monthly average high and low temperatures, along with precipitation levels.

Month	Avg High (ºF)	Avg Low (ºF)	Avg Precipitation (In)	Avg Snowfall (In)
Jan	44	17	0.47	7
Feb	46	20	0.47	6
Mar	54	26	1.25	11
Apr	61	34	1.74	7
May	71	44	2.30	1
Jun	81	53	1.69	0
Jul	88	59	2.05	0
Aug	86	57	2.06	0
Sep	77	47	1.06	1
Oct	65	36	1.08	4
Nov	52	25	0.82	9
Dec	43	17	0.59	9

Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in Colorado?

I’ve vanlifed south to the north all of Colorado in the dead of winter to early spring. Let me tell you, it was cold, but turn on that buddy heater, and let’s hit the slopes. If you’re looking for more information on Colorado, check out these other destination itineraries.

• Perfect One Day In Mesa Verde National Park Itinerary
• Perfect One Day In Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Itinerary
• Unbeatable One Day In Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
• One Day In Boulder Itinerary: What Not To Miss On A Day Trip
• Perfect One Day In Denver Itinerary For First-Timers
• Perfect One Day In Great Sand Dunes National Park Itinerary

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.