Welcome to the Mile High City! If it’s your first time visiting Denver, there are a few things you’ll want to know before you arrive. First up: elevation. Denver sits at 5,280 feet above sea level - exactly one mile high, which is where the nickname “Mile High City” comes from. You may have heard that you should drink extra water at elevation, and we promise, it’s not just something locals say! Denver’s dry climate and higher elevation can leave you feeling dehydrated faster than you expect, so drink lots and lots of water and bring a reusable water bottle if you can. Even after living here for 7 years, we still find ourselves needing to hydrate. You’ll also want sunscreen, even when the weather doesn’t feel particularly sunny, plus chapstick and lotion. The sun is stronger at elevation, and our dry air can be tough on skin and lips.
Denver weather can vary, even in the same day. Summers are warm, sunny and dry, with average highs in the mid-to-upper 80s, while evenings tend to cool off nicely. The midday thunderstorm is common - really fun to watch and over in an hour. Fall through spring is where things get interesting: yes, it can absolutely snow, and Denver averages roughly 20–22 snow events each year. But a snowstorm does not equal fun-crusher. More often than not, snow melts quickly and we can go from a snowy day to sunshine in the 60s or even 80s the day after. Denver is well-equipped for winter weather, with top-tier snow-removal throughout the city (you can even track the snowplows in the Department of Transportation app!). Our biggest tip? Check the forecast at least a week before your trip, then check it again a day or two before you arrive. If temperatures are looking chilly, bring layers. And regardless of weather, there’s something pretty wonderful about that crisp, fresh Colorado air.
A few other things worth knowing before you arrive:
Take it easy on your first day. You may notice the elevation more when walking, hiking or exercising, so give yourself a little time to adjust. Even today, we catch ourselves winded just walking up a flight of stairs.
The mountains are close, but Denver isn't actually in the mountains. The foothills begin about 30 minutes west of downtown, making Denver a great home base for exploring both the city and the Rockies.
Don’t let a cloudy or cool morning fool you. Colorado weather can change quickly, so a light jacket and layers are always a good idea.
Snow doesn't necessarily mean a snowy vacation. Denver averages about 49–57 inches of snow annually, but because of the sunshine and dry climate, snow often doesn’t stick around for long.
And finally, enjoy the sunshine! Denver gets more than 300 days of sunshine a year, so even cooler-weather trips often come with beautiful blue skies. It's one of my favorite parts of this city.