Denver guide

What is the weather like in Denver?

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This article is part of our Moving to Denver guide.

Last updated October 19, 2026

Denver’s weather is dry, sunny and changeable, with hot summers, cold but often short-lived winter snow, and big swings from one day to the next. At Denver International Airport, the 1991–2020 NOAA normals put the average July high near 90°F and the average January low near 19°F. The airport gets about 14.5 inches of precipitation a year, which is semi-arid. Snow is common from October through April, and March is usually the snowiest month.

Yearly precipitation14.48 inDEN airport, NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Days at 90°F+46 a yearDEN normal; 65 in 2026 as of Sept. 15
Seasonal snowfallabout 47 inDEN estimated 1991–2020 normal, NWS Boulder
Freeze seasonOct 9 – May 5median first and last 32°F night, DEN

What is Denver weather like by month?

The table below uses NOAA’s official 1991–2020 climate normals. Temperatures and precipitation are for Denver International Airport (DEN). NOAA does not publish monthly snowfall normals for the airport, so the snowfall column uses the 1991–2020 normals for the Central Park (old Stapleton) station, which the National Weather Service in Boulder lists alongside the airport. Precipitation includes rain plus melted snow.

MonthAvg high (°F)Avg low (°F)Precipitation (in)Snowfall (in)
January44.618.70.386.4
February45.719.70.417.6
March55.727.50.868.8
April61.733.91.686.2
May71.243.62.161.4
June83.453.01.940.0
July89.960.22.140.0
August87.558.31.580.0
September79.650.01.350.8
October65.337.00.993.9
November52.926.00.647.3
December44.018.40.356.6
Year65.137.214.4849.0

A few things stand out. Winter is drier than summer. May through August bring the most precipitation, mostly from afternoon thunderstorms. And the airport sees a low at or below freezing on about 156 nights in a normal year, even though many winter afternoons climb well above freezing.

How much does it snow in Denver?

It depends on which number you use. NWS Boulder’s estimated 1991–2020 seasonal normal for the airport is 47.0 inches. The long-term Denver average, going back to 1882, is about 56.6 inches. Seasons vary a lot: the airport recorded 47.7 inches in 2024–25 but only 33.1 inches in 2025–26.

  • March is the snowiest month in both the 1991–2020 normals (8.8 inches) and the long-term record (11.4 inches). April is close behind.
  • Spring storms are heavy and wet. A March or April storm can drop a foot or more, then melt within a few days as temperatures rebound.
  • Snow rarely sticks around. Strong sun and dry air melt and evaporate snow quickly, so streets in the city often clear faster than newcomers expect.
  • First and last snow: NWS Boulder puts the average first measurable snow around October 19 and the average last one around April 28.

Why does Denver’s weather change so fast?

Denver sits on high, dry plains right next to the Rocky Mountains. Dry air heats up and cools down quickly, so a gap of 25 to 30 degrees between the afternoon high and the overnight low is normal. Cold fronts can also drop temperatures sharply in a few hours. In winter, warm, dry downslope winds off the mountains (called chinooks) can push a snowy week into the 60s.

The practical result: dress in layers, check the forecast every morning, and don’t assume yesterday’s weather tells you much about today. NOAA’s median first freeze at the airport is October 9 and the median last freeze is May 5, so local gardeners usually wait until mid-May to plant.

What are Denver summers like?

Summers are hot, sunny and mostly dry, with low humidity. The airport normally hits 90°F or higher on about 46 days a year, but recent summers have run hotter. NWS Boulder counted 64 days of 90°F or above in 2024, and 65 in 2026 as of September 15, the fourth-highest season on record.

Nights cool off, with July lows near 60°F, so many older apartments rely on fans and open windows instead of central air. If heat bothers you, ask about air conditioning before you sign a lease. Our guide to how renting works in Denver covers what to ask.

Afternoon thunderstorms are a summer pattern. Mornings are often clear, clouds build over the mountains around midday, and storms roll across the city in the afternoon or early evening. They can bring lightning, gusty winds, brief heavy rain and hail, then clear out by night. If you hike or bike, start early.

How bad is hail in Denver?

Hail is the weather risk most likely to cost you money. Colorado is part of “Hail Alley,” the area where Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming meet. Citing NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory, The Gazette reports that this area averages about seven to nine hail days a year, among the most in the country. Colorado State University’s climate center data shows hail picking up in late April and May, peaking in early to mid-June, and tapering off by mid-August.

  • The costliest storm in state history hit the Denver area on May 8, 2017. The Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association estimated about $2.3 billion in insured losses, including about 167,000 auto claims.
  • Recent years stay expensive. State Farm reported $521 million in Colorado hail claims in 2024, the fourth-highest total of any state, according to FOX31.
  • Cars take the most hits. A single storm can dent every car on a block that is parked outside.

What about wildfire smoke and ozone?

Summer air quality is a real issue. The Denver metro area and northern Front Range are classified by the EPA as in “severe” non-attainment for the 2008 federal ozone standard, according to The Denver Post (September 2026). Ground-level ozone forms when vehicle and industrial pollution cooks in strong sun and heat. Wildfire smoke, often from fires in other states, adds to it.

The state health department (CDPHE) issues an “Ozone Action Day Alert” when it expects ozone to reach unhealthy levels. Ozone season runs from May 31 through August 31. The Colorado Sun reported 20 alerts by early July 2026, compared with 30 for all of 2025. On alert days, people with asthma, children and older adults should limit hard exercise outdoors in the afternoon. You can sign up for the daily Front Range ozone emails on CDPHE’s air quality site, and check AirNow for current readings.

How does the altitude affect daily life?

Denver sits at about 5,280 feet. There is less atmosphere above you, and the air holds little moisture. That changes a few everyday things.

  • Sunburn comes faster. UV intensity rises with elevation, so wear sunscreen and sunglasses even on cool or cloudy days, and in winter when snow reflects light.
  • You dry out. Drink more water than you’re used to, especially your first few weeks. Many newcomers also use lip balm, lotion and a humidifier in winter.
  • Alcohol and exercise hit harder at first. Take it easy for the first few days.
  • Cooking changes. Colorado State University Extension says water boils at about 203°F at 5,000 feet instead of 212°F, so pasta, beans and stews take longer. Baked goods often need less leavening and sugar and a slightly hotter oven.

How should a new resident prepare for Denver weather?

  1. Sign up for city alerts. Denver’s Office of Emergency Management runs an opt-in system called Reverse Emergency Notifications, which sends texts, calls or emails for the addresses you choose. Wireless Emergency Alerts reach phones automatically.
  2. Look for covered parking. If you have a car, a garage or carport spot can be worth paying extra for during hail season. Ask about it when you tour apartments. Our post on whether you need a car in Denver can help you decide if you need one at all.
  3. Check your car insurance. Hail damage is usually covered only under comprehensive coverage, not liability-only policies.
  4. Get renters insurance. Your landlord’s policy covers the building, not your belongings. Renters insurance covers your things if a storm breaks windows or water gets in.
  5. Own a real winter coat and an ice scraper, plus sunscreen, a refillable water bottle and an umbrella for summer storms.
  6. Plan for smoke days. A portable air purifier or a MERV 13 filter helps if your building has central air.

If you’re still comparing parts of the city, our sister site, DenverApartmentBuildings.com, has a map of apartment buildings with amenities listed for each one. For the rest of your planning, start with our Denver moving guide and the moving checklist.

Frequently asked questions about weather in Denver

What is the snowiest month in Denver?

March. It averages 8.8 inches in the 1991–2020 normals and 11.4 inches in the long-term record, with April second.

What is the best time of year to move to Denver?

Late August through early October usually has warm, dry days and few storms, which makes moving day easier. Spring moves can run into wet snowstorms through April.

Does Denver get humid?

Rarely. The air is dry most of the year, which is why 90°F feels milder than it does in humid cities and why nights cool off quickly.

How cold does Denver get in winter?

Normal December and January lows are around 18–19°F, with afternoon highs in the mid-40s. Cold snaps below zero happen, but they usually last only a few days.

Sources

Go Big City Team
Author: Go Big City Team

More Denver questions

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