You’ve probably seen the pictures. Someone is standing in front of Union Station in a t-shirt, while three days later, a local news reporter is buried waist-deep in a drift at the airport. That is basically weather for denver colorado in december in a nutshell. It’s a month of absolute psychological warfare. Honestly, if you’re planning a trip here, forget everything you think you know about "winter." Denver isn't the frozen tundra of Minneapolis, but it’s also not a reliable winter wonderland.
It is a high-desert grab bag.
The Myth of Constant Snow
The biggest misconception? That Denver is a snowy city. People arrive expecting a permanent blanket of white, but the reality is that December is actually one of our driest months. Historically, the city averages about 8.5 inches of snow for the entire month. To put that in perspective, the mountains just an hour west—places like Breckenridge or Vail—regularly see 60 to 100 inches in that same timeframe.
In the city, snow is an event, not a state of being.
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When it does snow, the "Mile High Sun" usually eats it within 24 hours. You’ll see a foot of powder on a Tuesday and people dining on outdoor patios by Thursday. The air is so dry that the snow often sublimates—it turns directly from a solid to a gas—leaving the sidewalks dry before the city even has a chance to salt them.
Temperature Whiplash: 70°F to -10°F
If you want to understand Denver’s December, look at the records. On December 22, 2025, the city hit a staggering 76°F. People were literally golfing. Then you look back at December 22, 1990, where the low was -25°F. That is a 101-degree spread for the exact same calendar day.
This happens because of the Chinook winds. These are warm, dry winds that come screaming off the Rockies. They can jump the temperature 30 degrees in an hour. It’s why you’ll see locals wearing parkas in the morning and carrying them by noon.
- Average Highs: Usually hover around 45°F to 47°F.
- Average Lows: Sink down to about 16°F or 17°F.
- The "Brown Cloud": Sometimes, when the air stays still, we get a temperature inversion. Cold air gets trapped near the ground, along with city smog, creating a hazy "brown cloud" over the skyline. It’s not pretty, and it usually takes a cold front to blow it out.
Packing for Survival (and Style)
Don't bring a heavy Arctic parka and think you're set. You'll sweat through it. The trick to surviving weather for denver colorado in december is "The Layering Cake."
- The Base: A moisture-wicking tee. The sun is intense at 5,280 feet; even at 40 degrees, you'll feel warm if you're walking.
- The Mid: A light fleece or a wool sweater.
- The Shell: A wind-resistant jacket. The wind is the real killer here, not the temperature.
- The Feet: Waterproof boots with good tread. Even if it hasn't snowed, the "slush puddles" at street corners are legendary traps.
And for the love of everything, bring lip balm and heavy moisturizer. The humidity in December often sits around 35% or lower. Your skin will literally start to crack within 48 hours if you aren't prepared. Locals don't carry water bottles just for the "active" lifestyle; we do it because the air is trying to turn us into human raisins.
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Why the Airport is a Different Planet
If you are flying into Denver International Airport (DIA), do not trust the "Denver" weather report on your phone. DIA is nearly 25 miles northeast of downtown. It sits on the open prairie.
Because there are no buildings or trees to break the wind, DIA is often 5 to 10 degrees colder than downtown. It also gets "upslope" snow that misses the city entirely. I’ve seen people land in a blizzard at DIA, take the A-Line train downtown, and step out into perfectly clear, sunny skies. Check the DIA-specific forecast before you head to the terminal, or you might find yourself stuck in a "ground delay" while the rest of the city is out for a jog.
Real Talk on Mountain Travel
Thinking of a day trip to the ski resorts? December is a "transition" month. Early December can be "thin," with resorts relying heavily on man-made snow. By late December—the "Holidays"—the base is usually solid, but the traffic on I-70 is a nightmare.
A "light dusting" in Denver can mean a "closed pass" in the mountains. If you’re driving, you must be aware of the Traction Law (Code 15). This means you need 4WD, AWD, or specific winter-rated tires. The State Patrol doesn't play around with this; if you cause a blockage on I-70 without the right tires, the fines are massive.
The Verdict on December Weather
Is it a good time to visit? Honestly, yes. You get the holiday lights at the Botanic Gardens and the Christkindlmarket without the soul-crushing cold of the Midwest or Northeast. Just come with zero expectations.
One day it’s a winter wonderland; the next, it’s a spring afternoon.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the "Boulder/Denver" NWS office specifically, rather than generic apps, for the most accurate "upslope" warnings.
- Hydrate starting 24 hours before you land to mitigate both the altitude and the extreme December dryness.
- Book a 4WD rental if you plan on crossing the 470-loop into the foothills, regardless of how clear the sky looks in the city.
- Pack polarized sunglasses—the glare from the snow under 300 days of sun is blinding and can cause actual snow blindness if you’re out all day.