What Is the Best Time to Travel to Denver?
Summer is the most popular time to travel to Denver, but if you want to avoid the crowds, you should visit in spring or fall.
Written by Heather Bernhard
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Table of Contents
- The best times of year to travel to Denver
- The cheapest time to travel to Denver
- Find the best month for your visit to Denver
- How to find savings on car and rental insurance
- FAQs
Load full table of contents
Whether you want to hike the Rocky Mountains, shop in Larimer Square, or stop by one of the city’s many breweries, there’s not a bad time to go to
Denver
. But when is the best time for you? Thanks to a busy events schedule, summer is the most popular time to visit, but you’ll find cheaper lodging and fewer crowds if you go in September or October.
If you need help narrowing down the options, no worries.
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app Jerry
has put together some of the best spots to visit in Denver, from hiking in the Rocky Mountains to trying your hand at dog sledding. Use this guide to help figure out where you want to go—and what time of year to do it. Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
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The best times of year to travel to Denver
Peak season: Mid-June through August
The good: Gorgeous weather, lots of events
The bad: Expensive hotels, long lines at attractions
The weather: mid-50s to low-90s
Summer is by far the most popular time to visit Denver. With lots of warm, sunny days and relatively low humidity, the weather is perfect for tourists seeking outdoor adventure.
Popular activities include hiking the
Nymph
, Dream, and Emerald Lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park
and kayaking
in Confluence Park. More adventurous travelers may want to try climbing a 14er—one of Colorado’s 52 peaks over 14,000 feet high
. If you’re into the outdoors but not a fan of hiking, take a walk around the
Denver Zoo
or check out the Botanic Gardens
. And don’t forget to grab tickets for a Red Rocks
concert while you’re in town!Pro Tip The summer months receive 70% of Denver’s annual rainfall. Be prepared for a few showers during your trip, and pack an umbrella!
Off-season: November through March
The good: fairly mild winter temperatures
The bad: unpredictable weather (especially in March)
The weather: low-20s to high-40s (Fall), low-20s to low-70s (Winter)
If you’re a fan of snow, Denver in winter is the place to be. The Mile High City gets snow as early as October—much earlier than many other US cities. From nearby
skiing
to snowshoeing and even dog sledding
, there are plenty of adventures to be had. Winter is also ideal for checking out indoor attractions that might be crowded at other times of the year, like high tea at the famous
Brown Palace
or a Denver Art Museum
tour. If you’re an NHL fan, don’t forget to get tickets for a Colorado Avalanche
game!Pro Tip Don’t let the risk of precipitation stop you from taking a winter trip. Even when Denver gets a ton of snow, the bright sun usually melts it in a day or two, so it’s unlikely to ruin your time away.
Shoulder season: April and May, September and October
The good: Streets are less crowded, beautiful foliage in fall
The bad: Spring weather can be unpredictable
The weather: mid-30s to mid-60s (April), high-30s to high-60s (October)
As the streets are less crowded than during peak season, spring and fall are the perfect time to explore the city at your own pace. Check out some of Denver's hidden gems, like the
Adams Mystery Playhouse
or the Lakeside Amusement Park
, in operation since 1908. If you visit in the spring, try the famous
Cinco de Mayo
festival or the Denver Arts Festival
. Makes sure to stop by one of the city's many farmers' markets
, where you can find food, live music, and family-friendly entertainment.If fall is more your speed, try the
Great American Beer Festival
in October, or head to Golden Gate Canyon State Park
for "Aspen peeping
." The cheapest time to travel to Denver
The cheapest time to travel to Denver is during the off-season from November through March. However, make sure you research deals before booking: hotels that specifically cater to skiers will likely still be more expensive than others.
You’ll also find fewer people in the city during winter and have an easier time getting into popular tourist attractions and restaurants.
If you’re on a tight budget, avoid traveling to Denver during peak season or June through August. Not only are the crowds at their largest at that time, but hotels are also at their most expensive.
Find the best month for your visit to Denver
Having a tough time deciding? The best month for you to visit Denver depends largely on what you want to do and see. This chart can help you narrow it down:
Activity | Best month to visit | Why? |
|---|---|---|
Visit Larimer Square | September or October | You can shop in Larimer Square anytime but will encounter fewer people if you avoid peak season. |
Stop by Union Station | April or May | If you want to grab dinner at a Union Station Restaurant or challenge a friend to a game of shuffleboard, stop by in the spring for smaller crowds. |
Tarantula migration | Late August - early October | For a few months, the hairy arachnids can be seen roaming the prairies. |
Trail Ridge Road | June - October | Drive America’s ‘Highway to the Sky’ for some truly exceptional views. |
Whitewater rafting | May - September | The Rocky Mountain rivers offer world-class rafting. |
Skiing and snowboarding | October - March | Some of Colorado’s top ski resorts are easily drivable from Denver. |
Coors Field | Anytime | Catch a Colorado Rockies game in-season or take a tour of the grounds off-season. |
Cheesman Park | Anytime | If you visit in summer, stop by after 6 pm to avoid high temperatures. |
Pro Tip If you’re interested in hiking, avoid the months between October and March, as trails are often covered in ice and snow.
How to find savings on car and rental insurance
It can be difficult deciding when to visit a city like Denver—no matter when you go, it’s absolutely amazing. But driving on crowded roads without the right protection is not as stellar.
Car insurance broker app
Jerry
can help you protect yourself and your assets with the best car and rental insurance
possible, no matter when you visit.After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. They even help cancel your old policy! So why do all that extra work when Jerry can do it better?
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FAQs
What is the worst time to travel to Denver?
There is no bad time to travel to Denver. The weather is pretty much gorgeous year-round, and there is always plenty to do. There is just one thing you have to ask yourself: do you prefer warm or cold-weather activities?
What months have the most severe weather in Denver?
In May, June, July, and August, Denver can experience severe storms that include hail, high winds, and sometimes tornadoes.
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