Although the average temperature in Denver isn’t something we, real estate brokers, like to talk about too much, I’m an avid reader of Jay Thompson’s www.PhoenixRealEstateGuy.com blog and thought I’d 
share a comparison of the two cities. I suppose to some extent, Buyers coming to Denver may think that Denver is an ice box compared to a lot of other major metropolitan areas—when in fact it is relatively comfortable year round. Certainly compared to Anchorage.
All joking aside, the ski industry is such a big part of the Colorado economy—and many of our lives, that as a whole we tend to promote the snowy, mountainous scenes that Colorado is so well known for. In years past, if the Broncos were playing in a nationally televised Monday Night Football game and there was snow anywhere around—the media would jump at the opportunity to film kids playing in the fluffy white stuff, or skiers schussing through the powder. Almost instantly reservations for ski vacations would start climbing. So accentuating our snowy conditions has always been a little bit self serving and maybe not altogether accurate.
As I write this, we’re nearing the end of our coldest month. January Averages a brisk 29.7 degrees (F) That seems pretty cold, although I was out riding my bike through the mountains of Golden the other day and seriously considered taking off my only jacket.
Sure Phoenix has an average in January of probably 20 degrees warmer or so. But they also have rattle snakes, cactus and the Cardinals.
Or lets take a look at Boston. Now this is a tough group of Pilgrims. The average temperature is about the same as Denver, but the winters sure are tough out there. Last time I was in Boston I didn’t see the sun on my entire four day trip. The humidity is ridiculous, I’m pretty sure that mold started growing on everything I brought there. Maybe worse than the temp and the overall overcast atmosphere and weather, what do people do there after work? I’m sure they are dreaming about moving to Denver—just like I did while I was growing up out there…
Anyway, it’s a bit cold outside. Last I looked it was about 45 degrees today. Not too uncomfortable at all. But overall I think our days are much more comfortable than averages indicate because Denver’s altitude and lack of Greenhouse effect, our 
nights get very cold, while are days are just fine!
The secret to moving to Denver and having a comfortable experience is this: days will be just fine, at night I recommend you wear a jacket, turn on the fireplace, live in an energy efficient home, and find someone to cuddle with!
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“Sure Phoenix has an average in January of probably 20 degrees warmer or so. But they also have rattle snakes, cactus and the Cardinals”
Ahem. And which team is playing in the Superbowl this Sunday? (Though truth be told, I am a rabid BRONCOS fan! — comes from living in Aurora for a couple of years as a kid, where I remember fairly frequent snow shoveling…).
Thanks for the linkage and kind words Bob!
Thank you Jay! Glad to hear you're a Broncomaniac! Me too. I hoped to meet you at the SEVRAR Technology Fair but alas, had far too much going on this week. Maybe another time soon! You're an inspration to a relatively new blogger like me.
So you can see from the chart of average temperature for Denver above that in July we have our warmest temperatures but it was actually 55 degrees today! Granted it warmed up pretty quick and right now the temperature is in the 70′s but it was downright chilly this morning!
I’m researching cities to move to within the next 1-2 years and Denver is one city I’m starting to look at; the only reason I’m even comtemplating Denver is that my daughter, her husband, and my grandson are moving there.
I’m from the Chicago suburbs but have lived in Los Angeles for the last 13 years. I thoroughly enjoy my LA winters but to be perfectly honest, outside of beautiful weather and the beach, I don’t really care for LA.
How cold does it get in Denver? How much snow do you get, and do you have humidity in the summer?
Thanks!
Hi Michelle,
Over the years I’ve helped at least dozens of families move to the Denver area from California. With no exceptions they have all felt a great increase in their quality of life. Some of that improvement may be the weather and the fact that Denver has relatively mild winters, low humidity and bright sunshine nearly every day.
Although, people love to dream about big snowstorms dropping blankets of snow across our spectacular mountains the city of Denver benefits from what is called the “orographic lift” which causes precipitation to fall in the mountains leaving dry, crisp air over the city. So although we occasionally get hit with a big storm it is not as common as you might think.
The coldest it has ever been in Denver was in the winter of 1875 at -29ºF but the average temperature range for Denver’s coldest month, which is January, is a low of 15ºF warming up to 43ºF in the day.
The Average Denver snowfall is about 5 feet, which probably sounds like a lot but keep in mind that we can get snow from September to May in between 80º days! Unlike many northern metro areas our snow falls and then is quickly evaporated and sublimated with very short spans of large accumulations.
Denver has a very dry climate with humidity averaging from 34-52% throughout the year! Compared to LA where your humidity ranges from 59-69%!
Lastly, although you didn’t ask about this, according to http://www.CityRating.com LA had 48,824 violent crimes in 2003 compared to only 3,531 in Denver! Here you can feel comfortable walking around outside a few different ways!
I hope you find this helpful, feel free to call, email or post for more info.
-Bob
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