Best Time to Visit Denver, Colorado

Spring: snow one day, sunshine the next

March to May swings a lot. March can bring a big wet snowfall, then a warm afternoon that melts it all by evening. April and May are the sweet spot for walking around LoHo and RiNo, the neighbourhoods with the street murals. May is the wettest month, but those are mostly short afternoon showers.

If you want to hike, be careful. Trails in the foothills, like Red Rocks Park and Mount Falcon, are usually fine. Higher mountain trails still hold snow well into the season. The Cinco de Mayo festival fills downtown in early May, and it's big and loud.

Summer: hot, sunny and busy

June is dry, bright and the start of peak season. July is the hottest month, at 33°C, and it's also the stormiest. Storms often roll in late in the day, so plan outdoor things for the morning. Tubing or paddling on Cherry Creek and the South Platte works well on a hot afternoon.

This is the best time for concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the open-air venue carved into red sandstone. It's also when families travel, so hotels fill up and prices climb. Travelling with kids? The Denver Zoo and Elitch Gardens theme park are both in their best weather. The Colorado Rockies play baseball at Coors Field all summer, and it's a fun way to spend a warm evening.

Autumn: the best of the year

September is warm, sunny and calm, with only six rainy days. October cools down to comfortable jacket weather. Both months score Excellent, and the crowds are thinner after school starts again. Early autumn is also a great time to drive up to see the aspens turn gold. Go in late September, as the colour fades fast.

The Great American Beer Festival usually takes over downtown in autumn. If you like beer, it's a fun reason to visit. Just expect busy bars and fuller hotels that weekend.

Winter: cold, dry and cheap

December to February is the quietest time in the city. Days hover around 8°C, nights drop below freezing, and it's rarely too grey, as the sun still shows up. Hotels are cheaper, and museums like the Denver Art Museum are easy to enjoy without queues.

Skiers use Denver as a base, but the slopes are a drive away. Mountain traffic on I-70 can be slow on snowy weekends. The 16th Street Mall and Civic Center Park light up for the holidays, which is a cosy way to spend a cold evening.