Question 1

What is the sunniest time of year in Denver?

Accepted Answer

Denver enjoys its sunniest weather during the summer months, with July 2024 recording the most sunshine at 380.3 hours—averaging over 12 hours of sunshine per day.

The Mile High City lived up to its reputation for abundant sunshine in 2024, accumulating a total of 3,250.2 hours of sunshine throughout the year. Summer months from June through August delivered the brightest conditions, with a combined 1,050.6 hours of sunshine. June followed closely behind July with 350.2 hours, while August recorded 320.1 hours of sunny weather.

September extends Denver's sunny season with 321.8 hours of sunshine, making it an excellent month for outdoor activities before fall weather settles in. In contrast, winter brings shorter days with January being the least sunny month at 171.6 hours—roughly 5.5 hours of daily sunshine on average.

Even during the darker months, Denver receives considerably more sunshine than many other U.S. cities. The winter months of December through February still managed 608.2 hours combined, averaging about 203 hours monthly. For visitors and residents seeking maximum sunshine, the period from June through September offers the best conditions, with each month providing well over 300 hours of bright, sunny weather ideal for hiking, outdoor dining, and exploring the Rocky Mountain region.

Question 2

What were the temperature extremes in Denver in 2024?

Accepted Answer

Denver experienced dramatic temperature extremes in 2024, with readings spanning an impressive 72.3°C (130.1°F) range throughout the year. This remarkable variation reflects the city's high-altitude climate at 1,611 meters (5,280 feet) elevation.

The hottest temperature recorded in Denver during 2024 reached 38.7°C (101.7°F) in July, while the coldest plunged to -33.6°C (-28.5°F) in January. This extreme cold snap in January 2024 was particularly notable, dropping well below typical winter lows for the Mile High City.

Summer months from June through August averaged 23.6°C (74.5°F), making Denver pleasant for outdoor activities. In contrast, winter months (January, February, and December) averaged just -1.2°C (29.8°F), a seasonal difference of nearly 25°C (45°F).

These temperature swings in Denver are characteristic of the semi-arid continental climate. The thin air at high elevation allows for rapid heating during the day and quick cooling at night. Residents and visitors should prepare for layered clothing year-round, as daily temperature variations can exceed 15°C (27°F) even within a single day. The 2024 data confirms that Denver's weather remains unpredictable, requiring flexibility when planning outdoor activities in any season.

Question 3

How much rainfall did Denver receive in 2024?

Accepted Answer

Denver received a total of 561.5mm (22.1 inches) of precipitation in 2024, distributed unevenly across the seasons with distinct wet and dry periods.

The wettest month in Denver was August 2024, which recorded 87.5mm (3.4 inches) of rainfall, while December was the driest with only 4.7mm (0.2 inches). Spring and summer proved to be the rainiest seasons, with spring (March through May) contributing 211.9mm (8.3 inches) and summer (June through August) adding 212.8mm (8.4 inches) to the annual total.

The city's precipitation pattern in 2024 showed a clear seasonal divide. Seven months exceeded the monthly average of 46.8mm (1.8 inches), all occurring consecutively from March through September. This extended wet season benefited Denver's parks and outdoor spaces, though August's substantial rainfall occasionally interrupted outdoor activities.

Fall brought drier conditions with 102.5mm (4.0 inches) from September through November, while winter months combined for just 34.3mm (1.4 inches). This distribution is typical of Denver's semi-arid climate at 1,611 meters (5,280 feet) elevation, where the city experiences afternoon thunderstorms during warmer months and relatively dry winters.

Question 4

What is the humidity like in Denver throughout the year?

Accepted Answer

Denver has a semi-arid climate with relatively low humidity, averaging 52.1% throughout 2024. The city's elevation of 1,611 meters (5,280 feet) contributes to notably dry conditions, especially during summer months.

Humidity levels in Denver vary significantly by season. Winter months are the most humid, with an average of 62.8% from December through February. November 2024 recorded the highest humidity at 67.4%, while January reached 65.1%. In contrast, summer is remarkably dry—July 2024 had the lowest humidity at just 37.5%, and the summer average (June through August) was only 41.2%.

During 2024, six months recorded humidity levels below 50%: May (49.7%), June (41.4%), July (37.5%), August (44.8%), September (40.4%), and October (41.4%). This extended dry period from late spring through fall is typical of Denver's semi-arid climate.

For visitors and residents, Denver's low humidity means hot summer days feel more comfortable than in humid regions. However, the dry air can cause skin dryness and dehydration—staying well-hydrated is essential. The 29.9 percentage point difference between the highest and lowest monthly humidity readings in 2024 demonstrates Denver's pronounced seasonal humidity variation.

Question 5

What are average wind speeds in Denver throughout the year?

Accepted Answer

Denver experiences moderate average wind speeds of 8.4 km/h (5.2 mph) throughout the year, with spring being the windiest season and late fall through winter offering the calmest conditions.

In 2024, Denver's windiest months were April and May, when average wind speeds reached 10.2-10.3 km/h (6.3-6.4 mph). This spring wind pattern is typical for the region, as temperature contrasts between the mountains and plains create dynamic atmospheric conditions. The city's location at the base of the Rocky Mountains at 1,611 meters elevation contributes to these seasonal wind variations.

Summer months in Denver brought slightly calmer winds, averaging 8.9 km/h (5.6 mph) from June through August. Fall conditions were even more settled, with September through November averaging 7.8 km/h (4.9 mph). The calmest period came in late 2024, when December recorded the lowest average wind speed at just 5.1 km/h (3.2 mph).

For outdoor activities in Denver, the wind data from 2024 shows that late fall and winter offer the most sheltered conditions for activities sensitive to wind, while spring visitors should be prepared for breezier weather. The overall moderate wind climate makes Denver suitable for year-round outdoor recreation, though cyclists and runners may prefer the calmer conditions between October and December.

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FAQ

What is the sunniest time of year in Denver?

What were the temperature extremes in Denver in 2024?

How much rainfall did Denver receive in 2024?

What is the humidity like in Denver throughout the year?

What are average wind speeds in Denver throughout the year?