Denver in December
Good time to visit
December brings holiday magic with zoo lights and downtown festivities, but winter weather keeps things unpredictable. The crowds are manageable except for New Year's week when prices jump.
Weather
December brings winter weather that can range from mild and sunny to full blizzard conditions. The thin air makes cold temperatures feel sharper, but the famous Colorado sunshine appears between storm systems. Snow accumulates and sticks around longer than earlier in the year.
8°C high-8°C low4 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$180/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo
- •New Year's Eve Fireworks
- •Holiday markets downtown
December Tips
- •Zoo Lights sells out weekends - buy tickets online
- •New Year's Eve downtown gets brutally cold
- •Holiday hotel rates spike December 20-January 2
All Months
April through October gives you the best weather, but each season brings something different. Spring arrives late — expect snow through April, sometimes May. But once it clears, the hiking trails open and the city shakes off winter.
Summer means festival season. The Underground Music Showcase takes over South Broadway in July, while the Great American Beer Festival packs downtown in October. Hotel prices spike during these events, so book early or stay further out.
Fall brings perfect hiking weather and golden aspens in the mountains. September and October see the most stable weather patterns — warm days, cool nights, minimal rain.
Winter divides into two camps: powder days and inversion days. When it snows in the mountains, the skiing is world-class. But when high pressure settles in, Denver gets trapped under a brown cloud while the mountains sparkle above. Bring layers either way.
Denver Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
7/10
Families
8/10
Adventure
8/10
Budget
7/10
Luxury
6/10
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