Denver, CO Weather Forecast & Climate Guide
Denver has a semi-arid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains at 5,280 feet elevation, the city experiences variable weather and low humidity.
Climate type: Semi-arid continental (Köppen BSk)
Denver Climate Overview
Summers are warm with highs in the 80s-90s°F (27-32°C) but low humidity. Winters are cold but sunny, with highs in the 40s°F (4-9°C). The city receives about 15 inches of precipitation annually, including significant snow.
Denver experiences rapid weather changes due to its mountain proximity. Chinook winds can raise temperatures 40°F in hours. Spring brings heavy snow and severe thunderstorms with large hail.
Denver Weather by Season
spring
Spring is Denver's stormiest season — March and April bring heavy wet snow, severe thunderstorms with large hail, and wild temperature swings. May is often the wettest month of the year.
summer
Summers are warm and dry with highs in the 80s-90s°F but low humidity. Afternoon thunderstorms build over the Rockies and can produce large hail, especially in June and July.
fall
Fall is short and spectacular — highs in the 60s-70s°F, low humidity, and aspens turning gold in the mountains. By mid-October the first snow typically falls.
winter
Winters are cold but surprisingly mild between storms — Chinook winds can raise temperatures 40°F in hours. The city averages 57 inches of snow per year, but it often melts quickly thanks to intense high-altitude sun.
Denver Average Monthly Temperatures
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 45° | 47° | 55° | 61° | 71° | 82° | 89° | 86° | 78° | 65° | 53° | 44° |
| Low °F | 17° | 20° | 27° | 34° | 44° | 53° | 59° | 57° | 48° | 36° | 25° | 17° |
Best Time to Visit Denver
September and early October deliver Denver's best weather — warm, sunny days, cool nights, low humidity, and fall color in the Rockies. June is also excellent before afternoon storms peak.
Severe Weather Risks
- Blizzards
- Large hail
- Severe thunderstorms
- Chinook winds
- Wildfires
Weather Facts About Denver
- >Denver sits at exactly 5,280 feet — the "Mile High City" nickname is literal, not metaphorical.
- >The city averages 300+ sunny days per year, more than Miami or San Diego.
- >Chinook winds can rapidly warm temperatures — a rise of 40°F in one hour was recorded in 1943.
Denver Weather FAQ
When is the best time to visit Denver?
September and early October. Warm days in the 70s°F, cool nights, minimal humidity, dry weather, and aspens turning gold in the Rockies make this Denver's prime season.
How much does Denver elevation affect the weather?
Significantly. At 5,280 feet, the thin air means intense UV, rapid temperature swings, and cool nights even in summer. The high altitude also lets snow melt quickly between storms.
Does Denver get a lot of snow?
Yes — about 57 inches per year on average. But Denver's snow often disappears quickly thanks to sunshine and Chinook winds. Big blizzards can drop 20+ inches at a time, especially in March.
What are Chinook winds?
Warm, dry downslope winds that blow from the Rockies toward Denver. They can raise temperatures 30-40°F in an hour and rapidly melt snow. Denverites call them "snow eaters."