Denver, CO Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Denver
Weather in Denver is shaped by its semi-arid climate - expect big day-to-night temperature swings and modest rainfall. July afternoons typically reach 88°F (31°C), while January highs hover near 41°F (5°C). Annual precipitation averages 17.5 inches (444 mm) over about 78 rainy days.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 88°F (31°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 41°F (5°C)
- Record high: 101°F (38°C) · Record low: -34°F (-36°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: May (13 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (12.8 h sun/day)
- Climate type: semi-arid - big day-to-night temperature swings and modest rainfall
- Snow: about 26 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 88°F (31°C) and overnight lows stay near 60°F (16°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 41°F (5°C) and lows around 15°F (-9°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 101°F (38°C) and dropped as low as -34°F (-36°C).
Rain, sun and snow
May is usually the wettest month. It brings about 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain over 13 days, while December is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 12.8 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 26 days in a typical year, mostly from October through May.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 41° | 15° | 5 | 0.9 in | 7.9 h/day | 63% |
| February | 43° | 15° | 6 | 1.2 in | 9.0 h/day | 61% |
| March | 52° | 24° | 8 | 1.9 in | 10.0 h/day | 58% |
| April | 61° | 33° | 8 | 1.9 in | 10.6 h/day | 53% |
| May | 68° | 42° | 13 | 3.9 in | 11.3 h/day | 60% |
| June | 83° | 55° | 7 | 1.7 in | 12.7 h/day | 49% |
| July | 88° | 60° | 7 | 1.3 in | 12.8 h/day | 47% |
| August | 87° | 59° | 7 | 1.3 in | 12.1 h/day | 47% |
| September | 82° | 52° | 4 | 0.7 in | 11.0 h/day | 43% |
| October | 66° | 38° | 5 | 1.1 in | 9.5 h/day | 50% |
| November | 52° | 26° | 5 | 0.9 in | 8.4 h/day | 56% |
| December | 44° | 20° | 4 | 0.6 in | 7.9 h/day | 56% |
Denver month by month
Denver weather in January
January brings highs around 41°F (5°C), lows near 15°F (-9°C), about 5 wet days and roughly 4 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in Denver.
Denver weather in February
February brings highs around 43°F (6°C), lows near 15°F (-9°C), about 6 wet days and roughly 5 snowy days.
Denver weather in March
March brings highs around 52°F (11°C), lows near 24°F (-4°C), about 8 wet days and roughly 5 snowy days.
Denver weather in April
April brings highs around 61°F (16°C), lows near 33°F (0°C), about 8 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days.
Denver weather in May
May brings highs around 68°F (20°C), lows near 42°F (6°C), about 13 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days - typically the wettest month of the year in Denver.
Denver weather in June
June brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 55°F (13°C), about 7 wet days.
Denver weather in July
July brings highs around 88°F (31°C), lows near 60°F (16°C), about 7 wet days - typically the hottest month and the sunniest month of the year in Denver.
Denver weather in August
August brings highs around 87°F (30°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 7 wet days.
Denver weather in September
September brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 52°F (11°C), about 4 wet days.
Denver weather in October
October brings highs around 66°F (19°C), lows near 38°F (3°C), about 5 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Denver weather in November
November brings highs around 52°F (11°C), lows near 26°F (-3°C), about 5 wet days and roughly 4 snowy days.
Denver weather in December
December brings highs around 44°F (7°C), lows near 20°F (-7°C), about 4 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days - typically the driest month of the year in Denver.
Seasons in Denver
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Denver stays on the cool side of mild, with daytime highs averaging 60°F (16°C) and nights around 33°F (0°C); expect showers on roughly 29 days across the season, plus around 9 snowy days.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Denver is hot, with daytime highs averaging 86°F (30°C) and nights around 58°F (14°C); expect showers on roughly 21 days across the season.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Denver stays on the cool side of mild, with daytime highs averaging 67°F (19°C) and nights around 39°F (4°C); rain falls on about 14 days over the three months, plus around 6 snowy days.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Denver is chilly, with daytime highs averaging 43°F (6°C) and nights around 17°F (-8°C); rain falls on about 15 days over the three months, plus around 12 snowy days.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Denver?
Is Denver hot in summer?
Is Denver cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Denver get in a year?
Best time to visit Denver
The best time to visit Denver is generally September to October and April, when temperatures are at their most comfortable before or after the peak heat. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 73°F (23°C).
Pack for Denver with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a heavy insulated coat, hat and gloves for winter; rain gear if you travel around May. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 60°F (16°C).
Denver temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.