Denver in December
In December, Denver averages 6°C (43°F) during the day and -8°C (18°F) at night, with around 8 days of rain (20 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
December in Denver is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Denver
December is one of the coolest months in Denver (10th of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 12°C below the annual average (18°C). December runs 5°C cooler than November (11°C) and cools 1°C in January (5°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Denver
Times shown for Denver local time (America/Denver), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Denver — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Denver's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Denver in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Denver's popularity.
December in United States — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.
Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Crowds & pricing — December in Denver
Denver is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Denver
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
🌬 Frosty nights — Denver in December
Gear: Cold nights, milder days. Light insulated jacket fine for daytime, real coat for after dark.
Denver in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5°C / 41°F | -9°C / 16°F | 26 mm | 10 | — |
| February | 6°C / 43°F | -9°C / 15°F | 23 mm | 11 | — |
| March | 12°C / 53°F | -4°C / 24°F | 47 mm | 12 | — |
| April | 16°C / 61°F | 0°C / 33°F | 48 mm | 14 | — |
| May | 20°C / 68°F | 6°C / 42°F | 102 mm | 18 | — |
| June | 28°C / 83°F | 12°C / 54°F | 47 mm | 14 | — |
| July | 31°C / 88°F | 16°C / 60°F | 38 mm | 17 | — |
| August | 30°C / 86°F | 15°C / 58°F | 34 mm | 13 | — |
| September | 27°C / 81°F | 11°C / 52°F | 23 mm | 9 | — |
| October | 18°C / 65°F | 3°C / 37°F | 30 mm | 8 | — |
| November | 11°C / 52°F | -4°C / 26°F | 21 mm | 7 | — |
| December | 6°C / 43°F | -8°C / 18°F | 20 mm | 8 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Denver in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Denver in December?
In December, Denver averages a high of 6°C (43°F) and a low of -8°C (18°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Denver in December?
December sees occasional rain in Denver, with about 8 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Denver?
December is cold. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Denver in December?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves. See the full December packing list for Denver for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.