Denver, the Mile High City, is a year-round destination with something special in every season. Whether you’re chasing powdery ski slopes, exploring lush green parks, or enjoying crisp fall air, Denver has the perfect climate for any kind of adventure. But when is the best time to visit? That depends on what you want to do!
Each season in Denver offers unique experiences, from snowy mountain escapes to sunny festivals and golden autumn hikes. Let’s break it down season by season so you can plan your perfect Denver getaway.
Spring in Denver (March – May)
Why Visit Denver in Spring?
Spring in Denver is a hidden gem—a time when the city awakens from its winter slumber but hasn’t yet hit peak summer crowds. The snow is melting, the trees are blooming, and temperatures start to rise, making it an excellent time for outdoor exploration.
Weather in Spring
- March: Highs around 58°F (14°C), lows 30°F (-1°C)
- April: Highs around 65°F (18°C), lows 36°F (2°C)
- May: Highs around 72°F (22°C), lows 45°F (7°C)
While spring can be unpredictable (expect occasional snow in March!), the weather quickly transitions into mild, sunny days perfect for hiking, biking, and sightseeing.
Things to Do in Spring
🌸 See the Cherry Blossoms at City Park – Spring brings stunning cherry blossoms to the Denver Botanic Gardens and City Park, creating a dreamy landscape for a morning stroll.
🏔️ Hike the Red Rocks Trails – Before the summer heat kicks in, spring is an ideal time to explore Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. Hike the Trading Post Trail or just take in the views from the top.
🎭 Enjoy the Denver Performing Arts Scene – Spring is a great season for catching a Broadway show or a concert before Red Rocks’ summer schedule gets packed.
🍻 Attend Collaboration Fest – Beer lovers, rejoice! Denver’s spring beer festivals showcase incredible craft brews from around Colorado.
🚴 Bike the Cherry Creek Trail – With flowers blooming along the path, this is one of the best ways to explore the city on two wheels.
Pros & Cons of Visiting in Spring
✅ Fewer tourists than summer
✅ Milder weather, great for hiking and biking
✅ Beautiful blooming trees and flowers
❌ Some unpredictable snowstorms in March
❌ Ski season starts to wind down
Summer in Denver (June – August)
Why Visit Denver in Summer?
Summer is prime time in Denver. The city comes alive with outdoor concerts, bustling farmers’ markets, and endless sunshine. If you love warm weather and lively energy, this is your season.
Weather in Summer
- June: Highs around 82°F (28°C), lows 54°F (12°C)
- July: Highs around 90°F (32°C), lows 60°F (16°C)
- August: Highs around 88°F (31°C), lows 58°F (14°C)
Denver’s low humidity makes even the hottest days bearable. Afternoon thunderstorms are common but usually short-lived.
Things to Do in Summer
🎶 See a Concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre – This world-famous venue is at its best in summer. Grab tickets to a show and watch the sunset over the mountains.
🚶 Explore Larimer Square & Union Station – Denver’s historic downtown areas buzz with life in the summer. Stop for brunch, shop, and soak up the sun.
🏔️ Take a Day Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park – Just 1.5 hours from Denver, RMNP is stunning in summer. Hike Sky Pond or drive Trail Ridge Road for unbeatable views.
🚲 Rent an Electric Scooter & Cruise Around RiNo – The artsy River North (RiNo) district is packed with cool murals, breweries, and food halls. Summer evenings are perfect for exploring by scooter.
🌮 Go to a Food Festival – Summer in Denver means food trucks, beer gardens, and outdoor festivals. Don’t miss A Taste of Colorado in Civic Center Park.
Pros & Cons of Visiting in Summer
✅ Tons of outdoor activities & festivals
✅ Perfect weather for hiking & sightseeing
✅ Longer daylight hours (sunsets around 8:30 PM!)
❌ Peak tourist season = higher prices & crowds
❌ Can get very hot in July & August
Fall in Denver (September – November)
Why Visit Denver in Fall?
Fewer crowds, cooler weather, and golden aspens make fall an underrated but incredible time to visit. This is prime hiking season as the leaves change, and it’s also a fantastic time for craft beer lovers.
Weather in Fall
- September: Highs around 79°F (26°C), lows 50°F (10°C)
- October: Highs around 67°F (19°C), lows 39°F (4°C)
- November: Highs around 55°F (13°C), lows 28°F (-2°C)
Fall starts warm in September but cools down quickly. Snow can arrive by late October or November in the mountains.
Things to Do in Fall
🍁 Drive the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway – One of the best fall foliage drives in the country! Golden aspens line the roads through Estes Park and Nederland.
🎃 Visit a Pumpkin Patch or Corn Maze – Fall means apple cider, hayrides, and pumpkin patches at places like Anderson Farms.
🍺 Go to Denver Beer Week – September’s Great American Beer Festival is the Super Bowl of craft beer, drawing brewers from around the world.
🏔️ Take a Fall Hike in Golden Gate Canyon – Just 30 minutes from Denver, this park is packed with glowing yellow aspen trees in October.
👻 Experience Denver’s Haunted Side – From ghost tours in Capitol Hill mansions to the haunted 13th Floor Haunted House, fall is the best time to explore Denver’s spooky side.
Pros & Cons of Visiting in Fall
✅ Stunning fall colors & scenic drives
✅ Fewer tourists than summer
✅ Perfect weather for hiking & exploring
❌ Some mountain roads may start to close in November
❌ Nights can get chilly quickly
Winter in Denver (December – February)
Why Visit Denver in Winter?
Winter means skiing, hot chocolate, and holiday magic. While the mountains get most of the snow, Denver itself sees a mix of cold, sunny days and occasional snowstorms.
Weather in Winter
- December: Highs around 47°F (8°C), lows 19°F (-7°C)
- January: Highs around 46°F (7°C), lows 17°F (-8°C)
- February: Highs around 50°F (10°C), lows 20°F (-6°C)
Despite the chilly temps, Denver enjoys 300+ days of sunshine per year, meaning you’ll still get plenty of blue-sky days.
Things to Do in Winter
⛷️ Go Skiing or Snowboarding – Denver is less than 90 minutes from world-class ski resorts like Breckenridge, Keystone, and Winter Park.
🎄 See the Holiday Lights – Denver’s Blossoms of Light at the Botanic Gardens and the Zoo Lights are winter must-dos.
🔥 Warm Up in a Cozy Brewery – Denver’s craft beer scene is perfect for a winter escape. Try Wynkoop Brewing Co. or Great Divide Brewing.
🏒 Catch a Colorado Avalanche Hockey Game – Winter sports fans can see the Avs in action at Ball Arena.
🚠 Take the Winter Train to Winter Park – The Winter Park Express Ski Train takes you straight from Denver Union Station to the slopes!
Pros & Cons of Visiting in Winter
✅ Great skiing & winter sports nearby
✅ Festive holiday events & cozy atmosphere
✅ Fewer tourists than summer
❌ Cold temperatures & occasional snowstorms
❌ Some outdoor attractions may close
So, When’s the Best Time to Visit Denver?
- For hiking & mild weather? Spring or Fall 🍃🍁
- For festivals & nightlife? Summer ☀️
- For skiing & holiday magic? Winter ❄️
No matter when you visit, Denver offers adventure, culture, and natural beauty year-round. Just pick your favorite season and get ready to fall in love with the Mile High City!
