Denver in January
In January, Denver averages 5°C (41°F) during the day and -9°C (16°F) at night, with around 10 days of rain (26 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
January 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 January compares to the rest of the year in Denver
January is one of the coolest months in Denver (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 12°C below the annual average (18°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (6°C) and warms a further 1°C into February (6°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Denver
Times shown for Denver local time (America/Denver), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Denver — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Denver's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Denver in January
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 January's tier (Shoulder) and Denver's popularity.
January 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 — January 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.
Sun & mosquito risk — January 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 January
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 January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Denver in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Denver in January?
In January, Denver averages a high of 5°C (41°F) and a low of -9°C (16°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Denver in January?
January can be fairly wet in Denver, with about 10 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Denver?
January 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 January?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Denver for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.