Denver sits at 1,609 m, and the altitude is the packing problem. The sun is strong, the air is dry and dehydrates you fast, and temperatures swing hard between day and night. In January a 37°F (3°C) high falls to a 14°F (-10°C) low, so layers matter year-round.
Denver weather by month
Daily high and low (°F), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 37°F3°C | 46°F8°C | 55°F13°C | 64°F18°C | 72°F22°C | 82°F28°C | 90°F32°C | 90°F32°C | 82°F28°C | 70°F21°C | 55°F13°C | 54°F12°C |
| Low | 14°F-10°C | 19°F-7°C | 27°F-3°C | 34°F1°C | 45°F7°C | 55°F13°C | 59°F15°C | 61°F16°C | 54°F12°C | 39°F4°C | 28°F-2°C | 25°F-4°C |
| Rain days | 4 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryCold, sunny and dry. Highs are 54°F (12°C) in December, 37°F (3°C) in January and 46°F (8°C) in February, while lows drop to 25°F (-4°C), 14°F (-10°C) and 19°F (-7°C). Only 2 to 4 days a month see precipitation. Pack a warm coat, hat, gloves and layers; the mountains are much snowier than the city.
Spring
March–MayChangeable. March has a 55°F (13°C) high and a 27°F (-3°C) low, April 64°F (18°C) and 34°F (1°C), May 72°F (22°C) and 45°F (7°C). Wet days rise from 4 in March to 8 in May, and spring snow is possible. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket and warm shoes.
Summer
June–AugustHot days, cool nights. Highs reach 82°F (28°C) in June and 90°F (32°C) in July and August, while lows are 55–61°F (13–16°C). Rain falls on 5 to 8 days, often as afternoon storms. Bring sun protection, a big water bottle and a layer for evenings.
Autumn
September–NovemberDry and bright, then cold. September has a 82°F (28°C) high and 3 wet days, October 70°F (21°C) and 2, November 55°F (13°C) with a 28°F (-2°C) low. Pack layers and a warm jacket for nights and mountain trips.
What to bring to Denver
0 of 24 packed- Hydro Flask 32 oz Travel Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
At 1,609 m Denver's dry air dehydrates you fast, so a big bottle you can refill all day is the first thing to pack.
A shell for afternoon summer storms and spring snow, worn over a warm layer on mountain day trips.
A shell for afternoon summer storms and spring snow, worn over a warm layer on mountain day trips.
- A warm wrapClothing
A warm layer for nights that drop to 14°F (-10°C) in January and to 59°F (15°C) even after a 90°F (32°C) July day.
- THRIAID Mini First Aid Kit, 100 piecesHealth & Safety
A small first aid kit for foothill and mountain trails outside the city.
- CALACH XL Compression Packing Cubes 2-PackBags & Luggage
Compression cubes fit the coat and layers a Denver winter or ski trip needs.
- Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
A tough bottle for hiking days in the foothills, where water stops are few.
Clothing
- Base layers · 2 setsJanuary swings from 3°C to -10°C
- Fleece or mid layer · 1
- Warm insulated coat · 1Dec–Feb, and mountain trips most of the year
- Warm hat and gloves · 1 setWinter lows down to -10°C
- Quick-dry T-shirts · 4Cotton stays wet after afternoon storms
- Hiking pants · 1
Footwear
- Comfortable sneakers · 1 pair
- Trail shoes with grip · 1 pairRocky foothill and mountain paths
- Waterproof winter boots · 1 pairSnow and ice, Dec–Mar
- Wool socks · 4 pairs
Gear
- Sunglasses · 1Strong sun at 1,609 m
- Small daypack · 1Layers, water and snacks for mountain days
Health and toiletries
- High-SPF sunscreen · 1Altitude makes the sun hit harder
- Lip balm with SPF
- Moisturizer · 1Dry air dehydrates you fast
Documents and money
- ID or passport
Tech
- Phone charger
What shoes should you pack for Denver?
Comfortable sneakers for the city and something sturdier for trails. Many visitors head into the foothills and mountains, where rocky paths need grip. In winter, bring waterproof boots for snow and ice.
What do people wear in Denver?
Casual and outdoorsy. Fleece, puffer jackets, jeans and hiking shoes are normal around town, even in nicer restaurants. Dress in layers you can take off as the day warms and put back on when the sun goes down.
How does Denver's altitude affect what you pack?
At 1,609 m, sun and dryness hit harder. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm and moisturizer, and carry a refillable bottle to drink more water than usual. Pack layers for big day-night swings, like July's 90°F (32°C) high and 59°F (15°C) low.
What to pack for a mountain day trip from Denver?
Warm layers, even in summer. The mountains are colder than the city and can see snow most of the year at high elevations. Pack a warm layer, a rain shell, water, snacks and a small first aid kit.
What plugs does Denver use?
The US uses Type A and B sockets at 120V. US travelers need nothing extra. UK, EU and Australian visitors need an adapter and should check that their devices accept 120V.
Tours and things to do in Denver
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Denver.
What should you leave at home for Denver?
Dressy clothes you won't wear and heavy cotton that stays wet after a storm. Leave summer-only packing in shoulder seasons, too; a cold front can drop temperatures quickly.
Packing for Denver: questions people ask
How cold does Denver get in winter?
Nights get cold. January averages a 37°F (3°C) high and a 14°F (-10°C) low, though sunny days can feel mild.
What should I wear in Denver in summer?
Light clothes plus a layer for evenings. July averages a 90°F (32°C) high and a 59°F (15°C) low.
Do I need to drink more water in Denver?
Yes. At 1,609 m the dry air dehydrates you quickly, so carry a bottle and refill it often.
Does it snow in Denver?
Yes, in winter and spring, though the city is drier than the mountains. Precipitation falls on only 2 to 8 days a month.
Do I need an adapter in Denver?
Not from the US or Canada. Sockets are Type A and B at 120V. UK, EU and Australian visitors need one.
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