The Mile High City of Denver, Colorado, has its origin in the mid-1800s Gold Rush era and this place has stood ever since as the last urban outpost before the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies rise up from the American plains. The winter season in Denver is a bustling scene where you will find a combination of such a big city and a big influx of seasonal travelers heading up the Interstate corridors bound for the ski resorts of Colorado’s high country.

Denver Average Snowfall

Potential day trips from Denver in the winter season are always in good supply, especially given that Colorado’s state capital is so close to the mountains. But tourists should not neglect to spend some time in the city itself, as there are a lot of things to do in Denver in the winter season that do not need being outside of driving a long distance in hazardous weather.

Winter season in Denver

However, Denver is a place that is known for being near the top of the list in terms of most sunny days per year, on average in the United States of America, you can bet there will be at least a few days of extreme winter season each month in the window of roughly in the month of November through March.

This holds especially true if you are in Denver in the month of December, January or February, which tend to be the dead of winter months when daytime and overnight temperatures are the coldest. In the month of December, the average temperature is about 8 degree Celsius or 46 degrees Fahrenheit for the high and -7 degrees Celsius or 19 degrees Fahrenheit for the low.

In the month of January, the average temperature is about 9 degree Celsius or 48 degrees Fahrenheit for the high and gain about -7 degrees Celsius or 19 degrees Fahrenheit for the low. You can expect similar temperatures if you are planning to visit in the month of February. The Denver snowpack does not actually peak until sometime in the month of April, generally speaking, but the harshest weather, on average is usually a thing of the past by late March.

The presence of snow and altitude-making skiing comes to mind for a number of people when they think of Denver in the winter season and it is worth spending a day or two aside to skis or snowboard on any of the mountains that lie within striking distance of Denver. There are a lot of ski resorts like Breckenridgedge or Vail, which are very regular about posting updated snowfall totals and the United States Department of Agriculture publishes snowpack summary graphs on its official website. This type of information combined with local weather forecasts can help you make an educated decision on whether to make a drive up high into the Rockies for skiing or other activities while in Denver.

Which month to visit Denver in winter?

When visiting Denver, Colorado, in the winter seasons in the months of late November or early December through March then you might choose a different month for your visit depending on your goal for activities and lodgings. Denver in the month of December can be ca, be warm and dry.

The month of December, may or may not be a visible month for a ski-printed trip to jump off from Denver, depending on the year. Denver in the month of January is more reliable when you will start to get champagne powder sort of days that the state of Denver. Colorado’s ski mountains are famous for. Resorts like, Steamboat, Vail and Winter Park see some of their coldest annual temperatures in the month of January.

The frigid air combined with precipitation makes for excellent skiing and snowboarding. For tourists who are not at all interested in the ski scene or going up into the mountains, the month of February can be a great time for a stay in the Mile High City as temperatures begin to creep upwards and early signs of spring start to show.

Visiting Denver in the month of February can also be good in that the Spring Break season window of the month of March has yet to arrive but the busy holiday season is well past, so crowds both in Denver and the mountains can often be thinner.

Best time to visit Denver

The best time to visit Denver, Colorado is between April and May, as well as September through October. Summer as well winter season may also be perfect times to visit Denver but this relies on your preferred activities and budget. There is a variety of considerations when choosing the best time to visit Denver, Colorado.

Firstly, you must think about the things that you want to do in Denver and what costs you are comfortable with. The month of April to May and September through October offer you the best value when visiting Denver. During these shoulder seasons, the weather is perfect, hotel prices are reasonable and the crowds are limited.

However, Denver has pleasant weather and attractions year-round. Every season offers something different to explore.

Things to do in Denver in the winter season

There is a  number of things to do in Denver in the winter season including museums, ice skating at Skyline Park and hot chocolate at Union Station. I am going to tell you about the things to do in Colorado in the winter season, plus a few lesser-known favorites that you would not want to miss.

Downtown Food Tour

In my opinion, there is no better way to experience a city than to taste its local cuisines. The Downtown Food Tour features five of the city’s best restaurants. At each award-winning, local eatery, you will sample unique, generously portioned meals. Drink pairings are optional but they are highly recommended.

You must try house-made limoncello with authentic Neapolitan pizza and Malbec with Argentinian empanadas. A local foodie guide will accompany you on the 3-hour Downtown Food Tour. They will introduce you to Denver’s growing food scene and share information about the historic landmarks on your Downtown Food Tour route.

You will leave full and with a better understanding and knowledge of how locals live, drink and eat in the Mile High City. However, these are walking tours, all tastings are seated indoors, making this the best thing to do when you are in Denver.

Marvel Exotic Wildlife at the Denver Aquarium

The Denver Aquarium is located just north of the city center and it is a great place to spend a chilly winter afternoon. The aquarium houses more than 500 species of animals and is one of the best things to do with kids when you are in Denver. For fun hands-on learning and visit their interactive stingray reef touch tank.

Once you have made your way through a number of underwater exhibits, pop into the Aquarium Restaurants for lunch or warm up with a drink from the Dive Lounge.

The game at The Pepsi Center

If you are a big hockey fan, you must head to the Pepsi Center, which is home to the Colorado Avalanche. There is not a bad seat in the stadium and games are family-friendly. You must visit their official website to learn more about upcoming events. The Pepsi Center is also shared with their professional basketball team, the Denver Nuggets. You can view their schedule online and enjoy cheering on the local teams.

Sip the hot cocoa at Union Station

If you need a break from holiday shopping and want a cozy up inside the newly renovated Denver Union Station that is located in the heart of downtown. This place is often referred to as Denver’s living room, this is a great spot to eat, drink, mix and mingle. From the train platform, hurried travelers come and go.

Travelers and locals sip cocktails and enjoy meals at the station’s many award-winning restaurants. Union Station is especially cheerful in the holidays. In the Great Hall stands a huge Christmas tree and on weekends, kids are thrilled to meet Santa. And what is a festive experience without hot chocolate, you must swing by the Terminal Bar, Pig Train Coffe, or Mercantile Dining and Provisions for a steaming cup.

See zoo lights

This annual event, Zoo light at Denver Zoo attracts visitors of all age groups. Their impressive 83-acre display is shining in the dark night. Lights twist around trees, illuminate walkways and form the shape of exotic animals. This year’s new features include the Aurors Borealis, Electric Jungle and Savannah Sunset.

Given the season, they only select animals that are visible from their outdoor habitats. But over 1800 species lie within Tropical Discovery, an indoor exhibit that offers a break from the winter’s extreme cold. The zoo further accommodates chilly visitors with toasty fire pits throughout. Hot cocoa is also available, which is for adults that are made even better with a splash of booze.

Go ice skating at Skyline Park

Seven days a week from November to February, the Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park provides free ice skating. In the last season, it hosted more than 40 thousand skaters. You must note that while access to the rink is free, ice skate rentals are $7 for kids who are 12 and under 12 and $9 for adults.

Still, it is one of the best winter things to do when you are in Denver, especially for families given students’ perks Colorado 4th graders get free skates all season, as do kida with an MY Denver Card. If you are looking for team outing ideas then the Downtown Denver Rink is a great choice. Every Tuesday from 3 to 5 pm, skate rentals are bought one, get one when you bring your business card.

Winter hike at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

For more than 100 years, Red Rocks Amphitheatre has hosted iconic artists like The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Grateful Dead, U2 and Radio Head. The outdoor venue quiets during the snowy season but continues to draw travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. In the wintertime, you can even hop right up onto the stage and stand where legends have performed.