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Nothing about Denver is more misunderstood than the city's climate. Located just
east of a high mountain barrier and a long distance from any moisture source,
Denver has a mild, dry and arid climate. The city receives only 8-15 inches
(20.3 - 38 cm) of precipitation a year (about the same as Los Angeles), and
records 300 days of sunshine a year -- more annual hours of sun than San Diego
or Miami Beach.
Winters are mild with an average daily high of 45 degrees Fahrenheit, 7 degrees
Celsius in February, warmer than New York, Boston, Chicago or St. Louis. Snow
does fall, but it usually melts in a short time. Golf courses remain open all
year and have been played on as many as 30 days in January. Chinook winds (a wind
blowing down from a mountain that gains heat as it loses elevation) can bring 60
degree F (16 degrees C) weather to Denver at any time throughout the winter.
In summer, dry relative humidity makes Denver feel cool and comfortable, offering
natural air conditioning. Fall is a particularly delightful time to visit the city
and make day excursions to the mountains to view the colorful changing of the
aspens, an event that takes place from mid-September until mid-October.
Denver, Colorado Averages and Norms
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Warpstock 2004
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