Colorado's 300 Days of Sunshine | Weather & Climate Guide

The Sunshine State of the Rockies

Why Colorado's weather surprises visitors

Colorado averages 300 days of sunshine per year - more than San Diego or Miami. That surprises visitors who picture the state buried in snow. The reality: Colorado's high altitude and low humidity create a climate where clouds clear quickly, snow evaporates fast, and blue skies dominate even in winter.

Denver gets only 15 inches of annual precipitation - technically semi-arid. The mountains receive more, especially in the form of snow, but even ski towns see plenty of sun between storms. That powder you're skiing? It often falls overnight, and you're carving it under bluebird skies.

The altitude makes the sun intense. At 5,280 feet in Denver - and much higher in the mountains - there's less atmosphere filtering UV rays. Sunburn is a real risk year-round. Sunscreen and sunglasses aren't optional, even on ski slopes.

Colorado Seasons

What to expect throughout the year

WINTER

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Cold but sunny in Denver (30s-40s daytime). Mountains get snow, valleys get sun. January averages 12 clear days. Snow rarely sticks in Denver - melts within 24-48 hours. Perfect ski conditions in the high country.

SPRING

Spring (Mar-May)

Most unpredictable season. March brings Denver's biggest snowstorms, but also 60-degree days. April can swing from blizzard to shorts weather in hours. May is warm and increasingly stable. Wildflowers bloom in June.

SUMMER

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Warm, dry, and sunny. Denver hits 90s but low humidity makes it comfortable. Afternoon thunderstorms build almost daily in the mountains - spectacular lightning shows, then clearing skies. Mornings are perfect for hiking.

FALL

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Locals' favorite season. September and October bring warm days, cool nights, and stunning fall colors. Aspens turn gold across the high country. Stable weather, fewer tourists. October can bring early snow but mostly sunny.

What the Sunshine Means for Visitors

Planning around Colorado's climate

SKI

Ski Season Reality

Snow falls, then skies clear. Most ski days are sunny. You'll need goggles for powder days and sunglasses for bluebird days. Apres-ski on sunny decks is a Colorado tradition. Spring skiing means T-shirt weather.

HIKE

Hiking Conditions

Summer afternoon thunderstorms are predictable - start early, summit by noon, be off exposed ridges by 1 PM. Mornings are reliably clear. Fall offers the most stable hiking weather of the year.

UV

Sun Protection

High altitude means stronger UV. Sunburn happens fast, even on cloudy days. Wear SPF 30+ year-round. Bring quality sunglasses - snow and altitude amplify glare. Lip balm with SPF prevents painful burns.

PACK

Packing Layers

Temperature swings are dramatic - 30-40 degrees between morning and afternoon is normal. Always pack layers even on warm days. A sunny morning can turn to hail, then back to sun within hours.

Colorado Weather FAQs

Understanding the climate

Is it really 300 days of sunshine?

Yes and no. Colorado counts "sunny" as any day where the sun appears - even briefly. Full sunshine days average around 115. But partial sun days push the total above 300. The point stands: you'll see more sun here than you expect.

How is skiing good with so little precipitation?

The mountains get much more snow than the plains - often 300+ inches annually at ski resorts. Cold, dry air preserves the snow. That's why Colorado powder is famous - the low humidity creates light, fluffy snow that skis like nothing else.

When is the best time to visit?

September and October offer the best combination of weather, scenery, and fewer crowds. Summer is excellent for hiking but expect afternoon storms. Winter is perfect for skiing with more sunny days than you'd guess. Avoid March and April if you want predictable weather.

Does Denver get snow?

Yes, but it rarely lasts. Denver averages 57 inches annually, mostly November-April. Big March storms can dump 1-2 feet. But 50-degree days often follow within 48 hours, melting everything. You'll rarely see persistent snow cover in the city.

Why do locals say "wait 5 minutes"?

Colorado weather changes fast. The mountains create localized weather patterns. Cold fronts push through quickly. You can experience four seasons in one day, especially in spring. It's not exaggeration - bring layers always.

300 Days of Sunshine