Best time to visit the four-season city of Denver

28.07.2023 - 14:45 / lonelyplanet.com / Rocky Mountains

Each season brings something different to Denver, whether it’s glittering snow in winter or vibrant foliage in autumn. Perched at 5,280 feet above sea level, the Mile High City’s weather is one of the primary considerations for deciding when to visit — though Denver also offers plenty to do indoors if Mother Nature is not cooperating. 

Colorado’s capital city, nestled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, strikes an ideal balance between outdoor adventures and urban amenities. Here, you can pedal along a tree-lined bike path in the morning, get a dose of culture at a world-class museum in the afternoon and indulge in a multicourse tasting menu in the evening.

As you start plotting your vacation to Denver, consider these seasonal differences — and decide on the best time to visit Denver for you.

Denverites are an outdoorsy bunch — but there’s also nothing they love more than sipping a refreshing craft beer on a sunny patio. Live like a local and combine these two beloved pastimes while visiting during the summer, when temperatures are high (usually in the 80s and low 90s) but the heat doesn’t feel quite as oppressive because of the lack of humidity. 

You can explore the city on two feet by heading to scenic spots like City Park or the South Platte River Greenway. Or, for a longer, more challenging jaunt, head into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains just west of town.

Afterward, quench your thirst at one of Denver’s many award-winning craft breweries, like Our Mutual Friend Brewing or Comrade Brewing (ask for a flight so you can try a small amount of multiple kinds of beer).

In June, July and August, you can also catch a concert or take a yoga class at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. Situated roughly 15 miles west of downtown, this city-run park is a natural, open-air concert venue made of red sandstone rock formations. On Saturdays and certain weeknights, you’ll also be able to shop colorful, just-picked veggies, fruits, herbs and flowers at several neighborhood farmers markets, including the Union Station Farmers Market and the Cherry Creek Fresh Market.

Summer is Denver’s high season, however, so be sure to book flights and make hotel reservations as early as possible for the best deals. And be forewarned that you’ll likely encounter lots of other people in the trailhead parking lot, so wake up early to beat the crowds.

The Mile High City goes big for the holidays, with dazzling displays of lights and festive traditions on nearly every corner. That same enthusiasm also extends to creative cocktails — both hot and cold. More than a dozen over-the-top, spirited pop-up bars open up throughout the city for the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and permanent watering holes get into the spirit