Denver is a great place to spend a holiday regardless of what time of year you go, meaning it is a good place for you to set up a fare alert and jump on a deal whenever it comes up. Snow sports in the winter, white-water rafting in the summer, and festive harvest events in the autumn are just a few of the activities that you can explore in this amazing city. If you happen upon a cheap last-minute flight to Denver and are considering an impromptu holiday, don’t worry about what season it is, as they all have something to offer. To get an idea of what we mean, read on as we explore the Mile High City in all four seasons.
Spring - April to May
(Image provided by Adobe Stock)
Spring is considered shoulder season in Denver, meaning you will get the benefits of improved weather, without the pricing and crowds that come in the summer. But being a mile high among the Rocky Mountains means that spring temperatures can still get pretty chilly, by some standards. During this time, you can expect temperatures getting into the 70s°F during the day and down into the 40s°F at night, meaning tourists will want to be prepared for pretty drastic changes in temperature. While you can still expect some snow during this time, the thinner atmosphere means that you will feel the full effect of the sun’s warmth, creating overall temperate conditions for hiking, climbing, biking, and other outdoor activities. With the warming weather comes the start of summer activities, so farmers' markets will be opening up and local festivals and events will likely be taking place. Spring also marks the beginning of concert season, so check out Red Rocks to see who is playing!
Summer - June to August
(Image provided by Adobe Stock)
This is the high season in Denver, as warmer temperatures and local events attract people from all over the world to come to visit. The weather is perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities, especially rafting and swimming. Sports fans can catch the Colorado Rockies playing at Coors Field. Local culture will be on full display at events and festivals like the Denver Film Festival, Denver PrideFest, and the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, among others. And there is arguably no better time to explore trails high in the mountains, as you won’t have to worry about getting caught by unexpected snow or rapidly dropping temperatures. The lighter atmosphere means that the sun is much more punishing, though, so be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen!
Autumn - September & October
(Image provided by Adobe Stock)
One of the best reasons to visit Denver in autumn is for the changing of the leaves. Colorado may not be as well known for autumn colours as somewhere like New England, but the already stunning mountainscapes covered in dense foliage taking on vibrant reds and oranges is a tough sight to beat. If you want to visit during this time, you will have a somewhat limited window, from late September to mid-October. Outside of that, there are plenty of reasons to visit Denver in autumn, such as Halloween celebrations, harvest events, American football season, and more. Tourists will want to pack for a variety of weather conditions, as it can still get warm during the day, but will be chilly at night. Your best bet is to pack lots of layers, like sweatshirts, hoodies, and thermal wear, so that you can adjust with the changing temperatures.
Winter - November to March
(Image provided by Adobe Stock)
Finally, we have the long winter of Colorado, which runs from November until March, taking up almost half of the year. Many people come to Colorado for skiing and snowboarding, and Denver can be a good place to start, with numerous ski resorts nearby. You can also do other mountain activities like hiking and snowboarding if skiing isn’t your thing. While you can definitely expect snow this high up in the mountains, the sun shining through typically clear skies and a low wind chill help to keep the overall conditions fairly agreeable. There are also an abundance of hot springs in the area, which can be a nice retreat after a day of mountain adventures. Or you could cosy up with a craft beer and some hearty cooking at one of the local breweries to close out your day. It may not be the busiest season, but winter in Denver still has a lot to offer.
