Packing for a trip to Denver can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re going during the “buffer seasons.” This refers to the extreme ups and downs of Colorado weather by the hour, honestly. Especially the few weeks between summer and fall, winter and spring, and spring and summer. Basically anytime the seasons are changing, don’t assume the weather in Denver is…stable.
However, not all hope is lost. As a Colorado native with plenty of experience with bipolar weather, here is some advice on how to pack for your trips to Denver! If you take anything from this, make sure it’s to always pack layers. No matter the time of year or whatever the weather may be, this general month-to-month breakdown should help lighten the load. Well, if you’re packing plenty of layers your load will be much heavier…you know what I mean.
Denver in September
September is usually pretty cold in the mornings and it often warms up in the afternoons. 40-50 degrees in the morning and sometimes at or above 70 degrees by the afternoon. Therefore, layers. Don’t bother packing shorts, but t-shirts are acceptable so long as you have a light sweater to go over it. If you want to be extra prepared, include a snow and/or rain jacket to your suitcase.
October
October is fairly consistent, there might be more chilly days here and there. This is when natives swap their t-shirts for sweaters and Birkenstock’s for Sorels. Again, keep in mind those layers but know that even if the temperatures do rise, there will still be a faint chill in the air. Include hats and gloves to be safe, and you’ll definitely need a heavy jacket this time of year as well. For shoes, either insulated tennis shoes (that you don’t mind getting wet) and/or snow boots!
November
Similar to October, but there will likely be more snow. However, as soon as the snow sticks to the ground, it will probably be gone the next day. As soon as there is snow during the fall in Colorado, the sun is still blazing and it ends up melting away fairly quickly. In case you’ve forgotten already, pack your layers and I’d recommend some hats and gloves and a heavy jacket again, you’ll definitely want your snow boots as well.
December
A total toss-up, there could be blizzards and maybe not. If anything, pack like you would for October and November. The few activities you’re able to do outside will definitely require snow pants and some other heavy-duty snow accessories. Don’t bother much with layering around this time, it will likely be cold most of the day. Not that you’ll need to wear your snow jacket all day, but long sleeves/sweaters and jeans are a must. It’s officially sweater weather!
January
Absolutely freezing, similar to December but this month you may end up wearing a snow jacket all day. The sun peaks through every so often, but not enough to completely melt the snow. Also, the sun sets much sooner so the days seem much shorter and colder. Throw in some movies and hot chocolate into your suitcase, you won’t be doing much outside!
February
February honestly tricks everyone into thinking warmer weather is coming–oh, but just wait for March–so it’s crucial to start thinking about layering again. There is still snow, but there is also a bit more sun. So with that, by the end of February the ground is “sloshy.” There is so much snow melting but it has nowhere to go so it ends up as gross, black slush all over the roads and sidewalks. Be sure to wear waterproof shoes, you still may need those snow boots….
March
March is the worst. For the weather at least. Let’s pack a bag for Denver in March. Now this is important, and I cannot stress this enough, layers. As well as rain boots, rain jacket, long pants, long sleeves, a light sweater/cardigans, hats, gloves, and your sanity. March is cold and wet and sludgy and weird. BUT the mountains are breathtaking because the mountains are finally visible and they’re still covered in snow. The view is worth the hassle.
April-July
If the weather is every somewhat consistent in Colorado, it’s during the summer. Most days are hot and dry, the forecast is hardly every below 60 degrees and sometimes they reach close to 100. 75-90 degrees is a solid range. The transition from spring to summer may bring some rain, so if you’re staying around that time throw in a rain jacket and an umbrella just in case. Once June is in full swing it is finally time to bring out those shorts, tank tops, and Birkenstock’s again! Be sure to pack those sunglasses and sunscreen too. Denver is the “Mile-High City,” we’re 5,280 feet above sea level, you’re more likely to get a worse sunburn here faster. If you’re prepared for the sun, you’ll be just fine.
Thanks so much for reading, I hope you found some of this information helpful. Enjoy your stay in Denver! Remember, even though the weather may not be consistent, our mountains and dispensaries sure are!
