Verdict

In Denver, January has a distinct winter feel. As the season moves along, conditions remain fairly consistent. You can usually expect a cold month that feels reliable day to day. Breezes can be part of the character, especially in exposed spots.

It suits travellers who want straightforward weather for sightseeing and day trips. A breeze can shift the feel of the day, especially later on.

Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight
10h
What to expect
  • Daytime feel - Cold days with big shifts between day and night. It often feels a touch cooler in the shade.
  • Wet weather - Low chance of washouts. You’ll get wet windows, then dry windows. It’s worth being prepared for occasional rain.
  • Midday sun - A bright month overall. If you're out for hours, sunscreen is worth it. Shade breaks feel genuinely worthwhile.
  • Wind feel - Refreshing breezes, and exposed areas feel sharper when gusts roll through. A light outer layer helps when you’re in the shade.
January in context

How it compares to the rest of the year in Denver.

Hottest (avg)
#12 / 12
Wettest (avg)
#11 / 12
Daylight Hours
#11 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#5 / 12
Highest UV
#11 / 12
Most Humid
#1 / 12

Temperature

Daytime high
Nighttime low
Feels like (avg)

Sunshine

Daylight
9.7 hours
UV index (max)
4
Typical sun hours
07:17 – 17:00

Rain & Snow

Total
Rainy days
7
Cloud cover
45%
Snowfall

Humidity & Wind

Humidity (avg)
61%
Wind (avg)
Wind (max gusts)

Frequently asked questions

Is January a good time to visit Denver?

Typical January days in Denver reach highs of 5°C (41°F) with nights around -9°C (16°F). It usually feels chilly by day and very cold after dark. It is one of the drier months, which suits outdoor exploring and sightseeing.

What are temperatures like in January?

In January, you can usually expect highs of 5°C (41°F) and lows near -9°C (16°F). That means chilly days and very cold nights, so pack layers you can add or remove.

How much does it rain in January?

Rainfall in January averages 22 mm (0.87 in) across roughly 7 days. Overall it is a moderately wet time of year, so showers are usually brief rather than all-day downpours.

How many hours of daylight are there in January?

You can expect about 10 hours of daylight in January. Sunrise is typically around 07:17 and sunset near 17:00. Days are on the shorter side, so plan activities around limited daylight.

How strong is the sun in January?

UV levels are moderate (around 4); sunscreen and sunglasses are still a good idea.

Is it windy in January?

In January, average wind speeds are around 9 km/h (6 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 40 km/h (25 mph). On the ground, it is it often feels breezy, especially in more exposed spots or along the coast.

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