Best time to visit the four-season city of Denver

Each season brings something different to Denver, whether it’s glittering snow in winter or vibrant foliage in autumn. Perched at 5,280 feet above sea level, the Mile High City’s weather is one of the primary considerations for deciding when to visit — though Denver also offers plenty to do indoors if Mother Nature is not cooperating.

Colorado’s capital city, nestled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, strikes an ideal balance between outdoor adventures and urban amenities. Here, you can pedal along a tree-lined bike path in the morning, get a dose of culture at a world-class museum in the afternoon and indulge in a multicourse tasting menu in the evening.

As you start plotting your vacation to Denver, consider these seasonal differences — and decide on the best time to visit Denver for you.

High Season: June–August 

Best time to visit for hiking and patio beers

As you plan your summer vacation to the Colorado mountains, save some time to explore Denver. Denverites are an outdoorsy bunch — but there’s also nothing they love more than sipping a refreshing craft beer on a sunny patio. Live like a local and combine these two beloved pastimes while visiting during the summer, when temperatures are high but the heat doesn’t feel quite as oppressive because of the lack of humidity.

Summer is the best time of year to enjoy outdoor activities in the Mile High City. You can explore the city on two feet by heading to scenic spots like City Park or the South Platte River Greenway. Or, for a longer, more challenging jaunt, head into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains just west of town.

Afterward, quench your thirst at one of Denver’s many award-winning craft breweries, like Our Mutual Friend Brewing or Comrade Brewing (ask for a flight so you can try a small amount of multiple kinds of beer).

In June, July and August, you can also catch a concert or take a yoga class at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. Situated roughly 15 miles west of downtown, this city-run park is a natural, open-air concert venue made of red sandstone rock formations. On Saturdays and certain weeknights, you’ll also be able to shop colorful, just-picked veggies, fruits, herbs and flowers at several neighborhood farmers markets, including the Cherry Creek Fresh Market.

Summer is Denver’s high season, however, so be sure to book flights and make hotel reservations as early as possible for the best deals. One of the things to know before traveling to Colorado in the summer is that you’ll likely encounter lots of other people in the trailhead parking lot, so wake up early to beat the crowds.

Shoulder Season: September–December

Best time to visit for fall colors and holiday cheer

Fiery red maples, golden-yellow cottonwoods, bright orange oaks, and vivid purple ash trees line Denver’s parks and trails throughout the fall. The leaves start to turn in September but really put on a show in October when warm days give way to cool nights, making the latter one of the best months to visit Denver. And despite the kaleidoscope of color, fall is shoulder season in Denver, which means fewer crowds, affordable hotels and a more laidback vibe overall, which is great if you’re visiting Colorado on a budget.

Though you’ll find fall foliage all over the city, some of the best places to go leaf-peeping are Washington Park and Sloan’s Lake. For the best photos, go leaf-peeping during the evening “golden hour,” or the period just before sunset, when the sky turns vibrant orange and purple as the sun dips behind the mountains.

The greater Denver area is also home to numerous apple orchards, many of which will let you pick your own fruit. In September and October, expect to find tart honeycrisps, classic jonathans and tangy winesaps ready for harvest at spots like Berry Patch Farms and Ya Ya Farm and Orchard. Pumpkin patches and corn mazes, like those at Chatfield Farms, are also great options for families.

The Mile High City goes big for the holidays, with dazzling displays of lights and festive traditions on nearly every corner. That same enthusiasm also extends to creative cocktails – both hot and cold. More than a dozen over-the-top, spirited pop-up bars open up throughout the city for the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and permanent watering holes get into the spirit by livening up their menus and their decor.

Denver has several beloved holiday lights traditions, including Zoo Lights, an annual affair at the Denver Zoo that incorporates more than three million lights (some formed into the shapes of recognizable animals). Another is Blossoms of Light, which illuminates the wintry landscape of Denver Botanic Gardens. Downtown, you’ll find the Denver City & County Building aglow with bold red, green and blue hues, while the twinkling Mile High Tree stands an impressive 110 feet tall.

But you don’t have to wait until it gets dark to get into the spirit in Denver. Go ice skating at Skyline Park, warm your hands around a warm mug of glühwein at Denver Christkindlmarket or treat yourself to afternoon tea at the Brown Palace – complete with scones and clotted cream.

Low Season: January–May

Best time to visit for snowy activities

With Colorado’s international reputation as a hub for skiers and snowboarders, you might be a little surprised to learn that arguably the best time to visit Colorado is actually part of Denver’s low season. That’s because travelers often pass right through the city on their way up to the ski slopes of the Rockies. Their loss is your gain, however, because accommodations tend to be more affordable in the Mile High City once the snow really starts to fly and when the weather warms in the early half of spring.

And speaking of snow... while Denver gets its fair share of powder days, the weather here tends to be mild – most days, the sun shines brightly. Monthly weather and precipitation trends are important things to know before traveling to Denver as they can dictate the activities you’re able to do.  Temperatures range from the high 10s °F to the upper 40s °F in January and February, then climb into the 50s °F by March, 60s °F in April, and 70s °F in May. But don’t let those rising numbers fool you: March tends to be the snowiest month, while May is often the wettest month in Denver.

Winter is a great time to cozy up inside one of the Mile High City’s museums like the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and History Colorado Center. Afterward, duck into one of Denver’s many innovative eateries, which are starting to attract international recognition. Dozens of Denver-area chefs and restaurants have earned nods from the James Beard Foundation in the last few years, and the Michelin Guide has recognized 28 Denver restaurants.

If you visit in January, you’ll also be able to catch the National Western Stock Show, a beloved annual tradition that showcases Denver’s deep farming and ranching roots. This 16-day festival, which includes livestock shows, rodeos and Western art, has been going strong since 1906.

Visiting Denver: a month-by-month guide

Here's a guide to the best times to visit and what you can expect throughout the year in the Denver area. All events are subject to change.

January

January marks the start of the low season in Denver, but you can still take advantage of some holiday event holdovers and participate in one of Denver’s biggest and longest-running annual events, the National Western Stock Show. The weather is cold, with average highs in the upper 40s°F, but it’s not significantly colder than in December. Peruse the stacks at the Tattered Cover, window shop in Cherry Creek, or test your luck at getting reservations at Casa Bonita while the crowds are less dense.

Key events: National Western Stock Show and Blossoms of Light

February 

Days are chilly with average lows in the high 10s °F, and major events are sparse, but you can still take advantage of Colorado’s famous sunshine even during bitterly cold weather. Venture out to nearby Evergreen Lake for a unique ice skating experience with mountain views. If you prefer indoor activities, grab a bite to eat at The Denver Central Market, an indoor food market in the city’s trendy River North Art District (RiNo) neighborhood.

Key events: Colorado Motorcycle Expo and Orchid Showcase at Denver Botanic Gardens

March

With the heaviest snowfall of the year, March can be a tricky month to get around the  Mile High City, especially if you’re not a fan of snow sports. Luckily, there are plenty of indoor activities to partake in. Dine at one of Denver’s finest restaurants, Glo Noodle House, for a cozy bowl of ramen or an innovative cocktail. Or visit one of the city’s less traditional museums - Meow Wolf, an immersive, abstract art installation.

Key events: Denver Restaurant Week, Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade and Denver March Powwow

April

Denver’s weather starts to heat up in April when the average highs break the 60s °F and the average lows are above freezing. Sunny April days allow visiting popular parks and trails before the warm-weather crowds roll in. You might even consider taking a quick road trip up to Rocky Mountain National Park to hike the popular Dream Lake Trail or spot wildlife by driving Trail Ridge Road.

Key events: Denver Jazz Fest and Colorado Rockies Home Opener

May

The city finally reaches t-shirt weather in May when temperatures range from the low 40s °F to the low 70s °F, but it’s also historically the wettest month of the year. You’ll notice a wider variety of attractions and events on the calendar. If you’re in Denver during Memorial Day weekend, don't miss the Denver Arts Festival for live music and booth after booth of art. Or grab a ticket to the Outside Festival for music, networking and all things outdoors.

Key events: Denver Arts Festival, Cinco de Mayo Festival and Parade and Outside Festival

June 

Denver enters its high season in June with annual summer festivals in full swing. Temperatures range from 50 to 80°F with increasingly sunny skies, meaning you can finally shed those cold-weather layers. Be prepared for limited parking at major trailheads, and some parks may even require timed entry to control crowds. For a quirky art experience, check out the Denver Chalk Art Festival two blocks away from Civic Center Park.

Key events: Denver Pride, Juneteenth Music Festival and Denver Chalk Art Festival

July

Denver’s average temperatures peak in July, which is the hottest month of the year. Highs are typically in the 80s °F and lows in the 50s °F, making it great weather for a cold pint of craft beer at one of the Denver metro area’s more than 150 breweries. Head to Red Rocks for an early morning hike or yoga class, and then beat the heat by browsing the REI Denver Flagship store along the South Platte River. Plan to get up early and book reservations to avoid long lines or sold-out tickets. 

Key events: Cherry Creek Arts Festival and Underground Music Showcase

August

As summer and Denver’s high season close, make the most of the warm weather and endless outdoor activities. Whether hiking, biking or kayaking. Stroll the green grassy fields in Cheesman Park and grab a bite at the newly-opened Secret Garden Bar & Café. Or try to spot wildlife at Waterton Canyon, where you’ll find cliff and river views from the wide gravel trail.

Key events: Denver BrunchFest and Colorado Wine Walk

September

Crowds start to dissipate in September as the shoulder season begins, leaving Denver visitors with more easily accessible trails and attractions. Take this time to visit the city’s hotspots like the Denver Botanic Gardens, Molly Brown House Museum and Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Temperatures drop a bit during this month as the leaves begin to change, offering beautiful hiking views and more bearable heat levels. Consider jumping in on some of Denver’s annual Oktoberfest activities, consisting of a stein hoisting competition, sausage eating contest and more.

Key events: Denver Food & Wine Festival and Denver Oktoberfest

October

You will likely get the first hints of freezing temperatures during October in Denver, although it’s no reason to spend all of your visit inside. Colorado’s fall colors peak in mid-October, which is worth the car ride up to Kenosha Pass. When you’re not leaf-peeping, share a pint at the bustling Great American Beer Festival or get in a spooky mood at the 13th Floor Haunted House.

Key events: Great American Beer Festival and 13th Floor Haunted House

November 

Come November, you’ll find local markets, like the charming Cherry Creek Holiday Market, popping up everywhere. Two of the city’s major cultural events of the year, the Denver Film Festival and Denver Arts Week, also occur in November. Temperatures start to drop, and you may see some snowfall, but it is usually not enough to affect your travel plans.

Key events: Denver Film Festival and Denver Arts Week

December

Stroll through a German-inspired holiday market in the heart of downtown Denver, or take in impressive light displays at the Denver Botanic Gardens and the Denver Zoo. As the coldest month in the year, you’ll feel a nip in the air and snowfall during December in Denver is a bit of a gamble, but there’s still plenty to see and do indoors or outside.

Key events: ​​Denver Christkindlmarket, Zoo Lights, Blossoms of Light and Parade of Lights