The climate of Denver
The city of
Denver in
Colorado, USA is perched in the mid-latitude steppe, resulting in a classic BSk Köppen climate. The representation of this compelling geographical positioning manifests in its intriguing weather patterns that can fluctuate significantly throughout the year. Seasonal transitions are quite noticeable with monthly averages pointing to clear climatic shifts.
Temperatures in Denver display a broad range with the lowest average dip being 20.7°F (-6.3°C) in
December and
January, followed closely by
February's 20.8°F (-6.2°C). This chilly spell gains momentum and peaks during the summer months with
June,
July, and
August boasting comfortingly warm figures ranging from 81°F (27.2°C) to the highest at 84.4°F (29.1°C). The remainder of the year maintains a moderate hold on temperature, with the autumn months of
September,
October, and
November ushering in a gentle decline in heat down to 61.3°F (16.3°C), 50.7°F (10.4°C), and 39.9°F (4.4°C) respectively.
When observing Denver's relative humidity, a fairly high concentration was noted during winter with December and January seeing 61% and 64% respectively. Spring brings a big turnaround with
March and
April recording the year's lowest figures at 55% and 52%, while summer and autumn months maintain the trend with relative humidity lingering between 41% and 47%.
On the precipitation front, torrential downpours are more prevalent from April to June with the town receiving substantial rainfall, increasing from 1.42" (36mm) in April to a high of 2.36" (60mm) in
May. The month with the least rainfall is December with a meager 0.39" (10mm).
Another prominent feature about Denver's weather is its sunny disposition. Even in the shorter daylight months of December and January, the city experiences an average of 7.1 hours of sunshine. The amount of sunshine per day peaks between May to August with the sun-filled hours soaring to a high of 11.8.
The best time to visit Denver
Tourists seeking to enjoy
Denver's amiable weather patterns would find the city most welcoming between
June to
August. With temperatures reaching a comfortable high between 81°F (27.2°C) and 84.4°F (29.1°C) and the relative humidity levels being quite low from 41% to 44%, this period offers pleasant conditions for outdoor activities. Visitors are also primed to bask in an average of 11.8 hours of sunshine, which is the maximum for the year. Although June is the wettest month with rainfall of 2.36" (60mm), Denver's robust sunshine hours ensure weather disruptions are minimal.
The worst time to visit Denver
Travellers may find the frigid weather from
December to
February rather challenging. The mercury dips to a yearly low with the average temperature plunging to 20.7°F (-6.3°C) in December and
January, which escalates to a slightly warmer 20.8°F (-6.2°C) in February. High relative humidity at 61% and 64% during these months further intensifies the cold, making it less inviting for visitors. Furthermore, the shorter daylight hours during this period along with incessant snowfall of up to 6.26" (159mm) in
March can deter sightseeing activities.
Spring weather in Denver
The city's spring months of
March,
April, and
May witness an invigorating shift in weather conditions. Starting from a chilly 29.7°F (-1.3°C) in March, the temperature steadily ascends reaching 42.4°F (5.8°C) in May. However, spring also brings along increased levels of rainfall, culminating in May with a high of 2.36" (60mm). The increase in daylight hours reaching up to 14.4 in May is another defining characteristic of spring in
Denver.
Summer weather in Denver
Denver's summers from
June to
August are enticing with temperatures gently swaying between an inviting 81°F (27.2°C) and 84.4°F (29.1°C). But despite the warmth, the relative humidity remains comfortably low, hovering around 41% to 44%. With an enviable average of 11.8 hours of sunshine and limited rainfall, these months undoubtedly present the most favourable weather conditions in Denver.
Autumn weather in Denver
The autumn months of
September to
November welcome a gradual decrease in temperature, with the average sliding from 76.6°F (24.8°C) in September down to a cooler 39.9°F (4.4°C) in November. Although the relative humidity begins to rise during this period, it stays within a moderate range between 43% and 52%. The month of September glorifies the city with a peak annual low of 0.71" (18mm) of rainfall, making it an ideal period for outdoor exploration.
Winter weather in Denver
With winter setting in,
December to
February is notably frigid with temperatures progressively slipping down to an average of 20.7°F (-6.3°C) in December and
January. Factoring in the heightened relative humidity levels that hover around 61% to 64%, the chill intensifies substantially. Despite enduring heavier rainfall, the city still welcomes an average of 7.1 hours of sunshine per day, providing some respite from the chill. Despite the challenging conditions, winter sports enthusiasts might find this season most appealing.
Weather in January
The weather in
Denver,
Colorado begins the year with winter-like conditions and typically experiences relatively mild temperatures compared to its neighbouring regions situated at similar latitudes. Noticeable periods of sunshine span over twenty-two days each month, offering moderately clear skies and opportunities for outdoor activities despite the brisk conditions.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Denver's
February weather exhibits less fluctuation than its predecessor, revealing a gradual increase in daylight hours, indicating the onset of spring. The contrast from
January is evident, most notably with snowfall elevating to 5.94" (151mm).
Weather in February » Weather in March
Denver's weather transitions into a new phase as it enters
March. Showing signs of spring, March reveals a marginal rise in temperature, specifically with a high climbing to 51.4°F (10.8°C), indicating a shift from the cold winter days of
February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Denver's
April brings a significant change in the city's weather profile. The mercury level rises, reaching an average high of 57.2°F (14°C), which stimulates the region's flora and fauna after a long winter dormancy.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As
Denver steps into
May, the city embraces clear signs of spring and lays down the groundwork for the sweltering heat of the impending summer. With an average high soaring up to 65.8°F (18.8°C), May indicates a considerable shift from the chills of
April, encapsulating the biggest upward temperature trend of the year.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Denver's
June weather showcases the arrival of summer, notable for its prolonged daylight hours and enhanced sunshine days. The month's core characteristic is its average high temperature reaching 81°F (27.2°C), which is a massive leap from
May's mild temperature.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Denver's
July marks the peak of summer with warm temperatures and ample sunshine brightening the city's weather scenario. The spotlight of July falls on its temperature, hitting the year's highest mark with an average high of 84.4°F (29.1°C).
Weather in July » Weather in August
Denver's
August closely follows
July, persisting with similar summer weather patterns. August's temperature maintains high marks, with a slight decrease in the average high temperature to 83.1°F (28.4°C), assuring prolonged summer activities.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As
Denver transitions into
September, the city experiences a gradual change in its weather outlook. No longer peaking at summer highs, the temperature in September moderately decreases with an average high placed at 76.6°F (24.8°C).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Denver's
October brings a noticeable shift in weather with shorter days accompanied by cooler temperatures. Compared to
September, October sees a notable dip in the temperature with an average high falling to 61.3°F (16.3°C), signifying the onset of the cooler season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
Denver welcomes
November, the city transitions into more pronounced autumnal weather. Building upon the cooling trend from
October, the temperature sees a plunge with an average high lowering to 50.7°F (10.4°C).
Weather in November »Weather in December
Denoting the arrival of winter,
Denver's
December weather signifies a significant transition from the mild autumn temperatures of
November. The average high drops notably to 39.9°F (4.4°C), bringing back the winter chill. As the shortest daylight hours of the year take effect, December hosts diverse winter activities due to the 3.31" (84mm) of snowfall.
Weather in December »