When to Visit Denver, Colorado & Other Travel Tips

January is one of the coldest months of the year in Denver, with average high temperatures around 44°F (7°C) and average low temperatures of 17°F (-8°C). January is a great month for skiing and other winter sports.

In February, temperatures in Denver are about one degree warmer than in January, with 7 inches (18 cm) of snowfall.

Denver weather in March: Temperatures are slightly higher in March which is the month with the most snowfall of 11 inches (28 cm), making it a great time to visit for skiers and snowboarders.

In April, average low temperatures hover just above 34°F (1°C). High temperatures are 61°F (16°C).

May sees a steady increase in temperature with an average high of 71°F (20°C) as spring goes into full swing. During this time, average snowfall drops to 1 inch (2.5 cm) and is replaced with the highest precipitation of the year with an average of 2 inches (61 mm).

Denver weather in June: Temperatures continue to rise in June with the coming of summer as Denver experiences average lows of 53°F (11°C) and average highs of 81°F (27°C). Though precipitation levels drop in comparison to the previous month, it’s still a good idea to carry an umbrella with an average of 8 inches (46 mm) of rainfall.

July is the hottest month of year in Denver with average high temperatures of 88°F (31°C). Low temperatures are 59°F (15°C). Despite the heat, the summer months are some of the most popular times of the year for tourists.

In August, temperatures are slightly lower with summer nearing its end. Average temperatures range between 57°F (14°C) and 86°F (30°C).

September marks the beginning of autumn with cooler temperatures. Many people flock to Denver at this time to take part in the festival season. Average high temperatures will reach just a bit over 77°F (25°C) and average low temperature is 47°F (9°C). A bit of snowfall can also be expected.

Denver weather in October: Average temperatures drop further in October with a high of 65°F (18°C). Snowfall also makes a jump to 4 inches (10 cm). Sunny days throughout the month can still be expected, but stay prepared for steep declines in temperatures in the evening.

In November, snowfall increases to 9 inches (30 cm), preparing the slopes and mountains for snowboarders and skiers. High temperatures are 65°F (11°C) while low temperatures drop to 25°F (-4°C).

December is the coldest month of the year in Denver (one degree colder than January), with an average high of 43°F (6°C). Snowfall holds steady at 9 inches (30 cm) as winter sports enthusiasts hit the slopes.

Best months to visit for skiing in Colorado are January through March while fall foliage displays peak in September and October. If you enjoy gardens, the Denver Botanic Gardens are a must-see attraction in spring, summer and fall. Best times for hiking in Colorado are late spring through early fall. Verified Resource: National Weather Service

Travel Tips:

There are many ways to get to Denver such as by plane, train, car or bus. If traveling to Denver by air, you will arrive at Denver International Airport, which is an easy 40 minute drive from downtown Denver. You can take a bus, a taxi, a limousine or rent a car to go to town. Traveling by train is easy with Amtrak as it passes through Denver on the way from Chicago to San Francisco and from Chicago to Los Angeles, with many stops in between. Train travel gives you a great opportunity to see the spectacular views you will be passing through.

With an excellent road system in Colorado that connects to interstate highways from all directions, driving is a pleasant, convenient and economical option. Having your own, or rented, car will also allow you to make easy excursions to the surrounding areas. Another great option is to take a Greyhound bus, the only nationwide bus line. It is an easy and economical way to travel to Denver, and with 3100 service locations all over the United States, you can arrive from practically anywhere. Road Reward members can receive discounts and even free trips when they travel frequently.

Taking the Airport Rail along the new rail line from Denver International Airport to Union Station in downtown Denver takes only 37 minutes. The trains leave every 15 minutes at peak hours and makes six stops along the way. Built in 1914, Union Station is a beautiful newly renovated Beaux-Arts building. In addition to being a travel hub, it is also a fun place to hang out, with many hip bars, restaurants, shops and even a boutique hotel.

From Union Station, visitors can use light rail, Amtrak train, regional and local buses and taxis to travel on. The free 16th Street Mall shuttle, also called the MallRide, and free MetroRide downtown buses connect Union Station with most Denver downtown hotels. If you are staying at the stylish Crawford Hotel, the property now offers the University of Colorado A Traindirect connection to the airport.

With over 150 bus routes, you can get practically anywhere in Denver by bus. Public transportation is the easiest and the most economical way to get around the city to explore and see the sights. Buses require exact change to ride, and it is good to note that drivers cannot make change. To save time and money, you can get local or regional bus passes, and depending how long your trip is, you can get either a daily, weekly or monthly pass. Visit the RTD (Regional Transportation District) website to purchase passes and get information on bus routes, schedules and fares.

Additionally, passes can be purchased at select stations and tourist information centers. You will recognize bus stops by their red and white signs, and bus numbers are located on the front of the bus above the windshield. Once you’re on the bus, you can sit back and relax until the driver announces your stop, you may also need to pull the “Stop Requested” cord above your head. You will find that in most cases the return bus stop is just across the street from the stop you got off at.

The Light Rail is part of the Denver public transportation system, which means that if you bought a bus pass it is good for the light rail as well. To buy a ticket, there are vending machines at each station. There are six light rail lines that stop at 36 stations and cover 47 miles.

Check the location of the stops, routes and schedules on the RTD website, or at the Tourist Center. The Light Rail stops usually have interesting design and are full of public art, so have a look around while you are waiting for your train. You can also take the Light Rail to the airport.

With hundreds of miles of bike paths through Denver and its surrounding areas, getting around by bike is great way to see the city, work on your fitness and save some money. Denver’s pioneering bike-sharing program, Denver B-Cycle, has over 800 shiny new red Trek bikes available for sharing. You can pick them up at any of the 84 stations all over Denver. A 24-hour pass is perfect for visitors or casual users, it costs just $9 and can be bought

with a credit card at all B-cycle station. This pass boasts unlimited free trips up to 30 minutes at a time. To get started, take a bike from the station nearest to you and drop it off at any other participating station when you are done. The bikes are three-speed, sturdy, bright red and come with a light, a lock and a wire basket.

There is no better way of getting a feel for Denver than by walking its streets and parks, but when your feet get tired, you might want to try Mile High Pedicabs. These are tricycle-taxis that look a bit like Rickshaws that have been around Denver since 1988. There is even a new, electrical version calle deTuks.

A more romantic alternative transportation is horse and carriage, which you can find at the 16th Street Mall. For a bit more freedom and speed, you can rent a hip Vespa-looking scooter from the ScooTours Denver and zoom around Denver and its attractions. They also offer guided scooter tours.

Whether you are a true foodie or a meat and potatoes kind of person, it is very likely that you will find the right kind of restaurant in Denver. If you want to try a bizarre local delicacy, don’t miss Rocky Mountain Oysters, which are not really oysters but rather deep-fried bull’s testicles. You will also find excellent beef and game, and an abundance of Mexican restaurants. While not as food-trendy as Boulder, Denver is very much into vegetarian, locally produced and organic food.

There are some excellent vegetarian restaurants, and most restaurants are proud to advertise that they cook with local and/or organic ingredients. Keep in mind that most Denver restaurants close at 10 pm (11 pm on weekends). Denver is famous for its microbreweries and brewpubs and if you are a beer fan, time your visit with the Great American Beer Festival, held in September. This festival, known as “America’s Oktoberfest,” is the premier U.S. beer festival and competition.

The area around Santa Fe Drive traditionally developed as a Hispanic neighborhood, with colorful murals and Mexican restaurants. Today, it is a thriving Bohemian artist neighborhood with great galleries, museums, restaurants and cantinas, all of which exhibit the Latin influence of the district.

It is also the location of two popular events - ‘First Friday Art Walks’ at Museo de las Americas and the multi-gallery art preview ‘Third Friday Collector's Previews. 'Both of these events arean opportunity for art lovers to meet well-established and up-and-coming artists and gallery owners. Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center, one of very few Latino theaters in the United States, is also located in the Santa Fe neighborhood. Other attractions in the neighborhood include the University of Denver’s Center for Visual Arts, Colorado Ballet, the Buckhorn Exchange, the oldest restaurant in Denver and some of the best micro-breweries.

Most of Denver museums and galleries are located within the Golden Triangle Museum District, with the beautiful golden dome of the Colorado State Capitol in its heart. With 50 galleries, museums, art studios, restaurants, clubs, cafes, bistros and live music at the Civic Center Park, it is the beating heart of the city.

Learn more about the history of Colorado at the History Colorado Center, see some previously hidden abstract art at the Clyfford Still Museum, or let Denver Story Trek show you some of the Denver’s most interesting historic spots in the Golden Triangle/Capitol Hill and tell you stories of its rich heritage.