Weather in Denver, Colorado
High country wildflowers peak. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast15%78°54°
- SundayMay 17Overcast34%71°53°
- MondayMay 18Light Snow Shwrs99%51°35°
- TuesdayMay 19Drizzle81%49°32°
- WednesdayMay 20Overcast81%68°42°
- ThursdayMay 21Drizzle49%58°47°
- FridayMay 22Overcast31%71°44°
- PM 2.5
- 10.0 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 11.5 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 18.3 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 87.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 11:52 AM
- Moonset
- 2:41 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
High country wildflowers peak
Denver at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 6°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 15 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Warm-season window is open
As of May 17, the last spring frost has passed for most years. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, and cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melons) now. Direct-sow beans and corn into warm soil.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Denver's peak warmth with average temperatures around 75°F, while December marks the coldest period at roughly 32°F. Precipitation follows a different pattern, with May receiving the most rainfall at 2.3 inches and January seeing just 0.5 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32° | 0.5″ | 2 |
| February | 33° | 0.5″ | 2 |
| March | 42° | 1.1″ | 3 |
| April | 48° | 1.7″ | 4 |
| May | 58° | 2.3″ | 5 |
| June | 69° | 1.7″ | 4 |
| July | 75° | 2.1″ | 4 |
| August | 73° | 1.8″ | 4 |
| September | 64° | 1.5″ | 3 |
| October | 51° | 1.0″ | 3 |
| November | 40° | 0.7″ | 2 |
| December | 32° | 0.5″ | 2 |
Regional context
As part of the hot desert climate region, Denver shares temperature ranges, seasonal cycles, and growing conditions with other cities in this climatic zone.
Similar climates: Colorado Springs, CO, Aurora, CO, Lakewood, CO, Thornton, CO, Grand Junction, CO.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the emergence of Rocky Mountain penstemon blooms across Denver's foothills and urban landscapes.
American robins typically begin their second nesting cycle around mid-June as daylight hours reach their peak.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Denver?
- Spring's final frost usually occurs around mid-April in Denver, while the first fall frost typically arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Denver?
- May receives the most precipitation with approximately 2.3 inches on average, contributing to Denver's annual total of roughly 15 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Denver?
- July typically records the highest temperatures, with averages around 75°F.
- What is the coldest month in Denver?
- December usually brings the coldest weather, averaging approximately 32°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Denver?
- Cool-season vegetables like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-April, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after that date.
- How many rainy days does Denver get?
- Denver experiences approximately 38 rainy days annually.
- What hardiness zone is Denver?
- Denver's USDA hardiness zone depends on average minimum winter temperatures; the USDA's online zone lookup tool provides current designations when you enter the city's ZIP code.
Climate
Denver, Colorado experiences a hot desert climate zone. Winter temperatures in January typically hover near 32°F, while July averages climb to 75°F, creating a 43°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 15 inches across roughly 38 rainy days throughout the year.
Several factors determine Denver's weather patterns: its latitude at 39.8°N, proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These elements influence local plant growth, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.