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Denver in October is a combination of the warm summer temperatures and the crisp fall air rolls. Fall is the best time to visit the Mile High City due to the moderate temperatures that make it perfect for brewery hopping, outdoor adventures, and festivals.
Colorado in October is the perfect place to vacation because the crowds tend to die out in between the peak summer and winter seasons allowing for more room on hiking trails, less packed restaurants and bars. You can also find cheaper accommodations in the city and surrounding mountain towns.
If you want to know more about why you should plan a trip to Colorado in October, keep on reading!
DENVER IN OCTOBER WEATHER
October in Denver usually mild temperatures, but it can vary throughout the month. Early October may still have some warmer days with temperatures between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 21 degrees Celsius). As month progresses, the weather starts to cool down, and by the end of October, you might see temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 15 degrees Celsius).
Colorado’s October weather tends to combine warm fall days with cool autumn evenings, making it perfect sweater weather.
Does it snow in Denver in October?
It’s not uncommon for the mountains around Denver to get their first snow in October, and some ski resorts even open up for the new powder season in late October! For example, Arapahoe Ski Basin opened up for its 2022 season on October 23.
Still the opening of ski resorts can vary from year to year depending on the number of inches of fresh powder the mountains have received.
Be sure to keep an eye on the forecast when you are planning your trip to Colorado in the fall so that you have the right attire to experience Colorado in all of its glory.
➡️ Read my article to find out when it snows in Colorado.
THINGS TO DO IN DENVER IN OCTOBER 2023
1. Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is a great place to visit for art enthusiasts looking for a fun activity to do indoors for those looking to escape a hot fall day or on one of Denver’s rare rainy days!
This museum is full of various collections and exhibits that highlight modern and contemporary pieces of artwork along with ancient pieces.
2. Meow Wolf
Meow Wolf is an immersive art experience filled with vibrant colors, multiple exhibits, and modern artwork. This is the perfect place to visit for those looking to spend several hours soaking in an incredible atmosphere and unique pieces of artwork.
3. Larimer Square
Larimer Square is one of the most lively parts of downtown Denver and is home to countless restaurants, bars, and shopping.
This is the perfect place to visit for those looking to explore some restaurants in Denver or if you just want to go out with friends and learn some local history, since Larimer Square has plenty of it.
Larimer Square has plenty of restaurants with outdoor seating which is the perfect way to enjoy Colorado’s October weather.
4. Colorado State Capitol
If you want to learn more about the state of Colorado, a visit to the Colorado State Capitol building is a must. Here you can take one of the guided and self-guided tours to learn more about the history of the state and its politics.
5. 16th Street Mall
One of the most popular areas in Denver for shopping and dining is the 16th Street Mall which runs throughout downtown Denver.
It’s a perfect place to visit during the fall months because the moderate autumn temperatures make it ideal for walking around this outdoor mall and taking in the surrounding city buildings and skyscrapers.
6. A day trip to Boulder
Located about 30-40 minutes northwest of Denver is the fun college town of Boulder! This charming mountain town is known for its close proximity to the foothills of the Rockies, outdoor activities, and many restaurants, and bars along Pearl Street Mall, the main pedestrian street of Boulder.
If time is short, Boulder is one of the best day trips from Denver, which takes about 30 minutes to get to from downtown Denver. The temperatures in Boulder are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, or enjoying a drink or two out on the patio of one of Boulder’s popular establishments.
➡️ CLICK HERE TO RENT A CAR FOR YOUR TRIP TO BOULDER
7. RiverNorth
The RiverNorth Art District of Denver, often referred to as the RiNo District, boasts colorful street art and craft breweries. Restaurants, shops, warehouses, and studios are painted with bright graffitis make a perfect backrop for your photo.
It’s a popular place to visit on a Friday night, as the area is always lively and has something going on, but you can have just as much fun if you are here on a Monday afternoon.
Best RiNo Arts District Tours
As you make your way throughout the RiNo District, be sure to stop by one of the many craft breweries in the area like Blue Moon Brewing Company, Mockery Brewing or 14er Brewing and Beer Garden.
8. Twilight Ghost Tour
Denver is known for having many spooky attractions and haunted buildings throughout the city. One of the best times to experience Denver’s eerie attractions is during October. This is one of the best ways to get into the Halloween spirit and the perfect way to do it is by going on the Twilight Ghost Tour.
Best Ghost tours of Denver
This tour will take you through one of downtown Denver’s most popular neighborhoods, Capitol Hill, after dusk. As you walk along the neighborhood at night, your tour guide will describe the spooky past and present paranormal activity that goes on throughout the area.
✅ Check my guide to the best guided tours in Denver
You will hear many scary tales about the ghostly activity that goes on throughout Denver and have many opportunities to take photos of some of the most famous haunted houses in the area.
➡️ BOOK THE TWILIGHT TOUR OF DENVER
9. The Foothills Of The Rockies & Red Rocks From Denver Tour
The Foothills Of The Rockies Tour is the perfect 4-hour day trip tour that will take you to some of Colorado’s most popular attractions in Denver and surrounding areas.
Best Foothills of the Rockies Tours
➡️ BOOK THE FOOTHILLS OF THE ROCKIES TOUR
On this tour, you will explore Red Rocks Amphitheater along with Lookout Mountain. Throughout this experience, you will not only gain some tremendous views of Denver and the Rocky Mountains but you will learn about scenic sites near Denver and the history behind them.
10. Ghosts in the Gardens
Another fun place to visit in Denver is Ghosts in the Gardens.
The Denver Botanical Gardens is one of the most beautiful attractions to see in the downtown area. During the autumn months, they are known for putting on a dim light display and storytelling experience where you can hear scary tales of paranormal activity that goes on throughout the gardens.
TIPS FOR VISITING DENVER IN OCTOBER
1. Wear layers
Make sure to pack layers when planning your trip to the Mile High City in October! It is not uncommon for it to be hot during the daytime and chilly once the sun begins to set. Wear layers so that you can take clothing items off during the sunny hours but you can pile layers on during the evening to stay warm and cozy.
2. Get outside the city to see fall colors
One of the most incredible things about the city of Denver is its close proximity to the surrounding mountains and fall foliage. Be sure to get outside the city to experience the fall colors in full swing!
Some of the best places to visit for fall colors within a short drive of Denver are Rocky Mountain National Park, Boulder, and Golden.
In addition you can also take a drive on scenic passes near Denver to see fall colors. Some of the best mountain passes for leaf peeping in the area are Guanella Pass, Kenosha Pass and Peak to Peak Highway.
Best Rocky Mountain National Park tours from Denver
3. Visit local breweries
Colorado is known for its tremendous craft beer scene! Be sure to visit a handful of local breweries in the area so that you can support small businesses and take in delicious brews.
Best Denver Beer Tours
Some of the most popular breweries in Denver are Great Divide Brewing Company, Wynkoop Bering Company, Denver’s First Brewery, and Post Brewing Company.
If you want to explore new places in the city’s beer scene, download the app that allows you to choose from some of the best beer places in the Mile High City.
4. Check out fall festivals in Colorado
Colorado in October is known for having an abundance of festivals! Whether you are interested in participating in Denver’s Oktoberfest celebration, Cedaredge’s Applefest, or Breckenridge’s Craft Spirits Festival, the festivities throughout the state are a lot of fun!
5. Go for a hike
Fall in Colorado is the perfect time to pack your favorite energy bars and electrolytes for hiking and head toward the trails. There are countless hikes to embark on in the state of Colorado and many of them are located within driving distance from Denver.
Best hiking tours from Denver
Some of my favorte hikes near Denver are Mt. Galbraith near Golden, Chimney Gulch Trail at Windy Saddle and Bergen Peak near Evergreen. You can easily reach them if you have a rental car.
✅ Read my article on how to avoid altitude sickness in Denver
WHAT ARE THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN COLORADO IN OCTOBER?
Boulder
Boulder is just a short 30-40 minute drive from Denver, making it the perfect place to stay just outside of the Mile High City.
Boulder is the perfect place to visit for those looking to enjoy mountain biking, hiking, or simply exploring the Colorado State University of Boulder campus.
Aspen
Visiting Aspen in October is a must if you want to see the best fall colors in Colorado! There is nothing like seeing the Aspen trees turn yellow and being able to view the Maroon Bells as the surrounding fall foliage begins to change into shades of red, yellow, and orange.
Unlike summer in Aspen, October has more mild temperatures and offers a perfect combination of smaller crowds and dry sunny weather which are perfect for hiking, camping and mountain biking.
✅ Find out if there’s Uber in Aspen
Breckenridge
Breckenridge is another fantastic place to stay in Colorado in October. This charming mountain town is known for its close proximity to the Breckenridge ski slopes and during the autumn months you can walk down Main Street and enjoy endless restaurants, bars, breweries, and shopping!
Breckenridge hosts a Craft Spirits Festival from October 6th-8th of 2023. This is the perfect time to enjoy some of Breckenridge’s local distilleries and take in the surrounding mountain views.
Telluride
Another fabulous place to stay in Colorado in October is Telluride! This famous mountain town is known for having tremendous skiing during the winter months but during the October season, you are able to enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, and fly fishing.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte is located about 4 hours southwest of Denver and is home to a beautiful mountain town with endless things to do during the fall. For those looking to get outside and enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or camping, you must add Crested Butte to your list.
For those looking to stay in the Crested Butte area for several nights and would like to explore all that the area has to offer. Be sure to bring your favorite camping tent and camping fan so that you are prepared to have the most ideal experience in the Colorado wilderness.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park is another fabulous place to visit in Colorado in October. This national park is one of the lesser-known parks in the state of Colorado and is home to the largest sand dunes in North America.
Great Sand Dunes is an excellent place to visit in October because the temperatures are brisk which allows you to explore the sand dunes more efficiently without having to worry about the sand being super hot.
Grand Junction
Grand Junction is located in western Colorado and is home to the Colorado National Monument. This is the perfect place to visit in October for those looking to experience some serious beauty and spend some time outdoors! The Colorado National Monument is the perfect place to hike and camp.
WHERE TO STAY IN DENVER
- Budget-friendly: Sonesta Denver Downtown – This is a great budget-friendly option for those looking to stay in downtown Denver! The location is great and is within walking distance of countless restaurants, bars, and shopping at the 16th Street Mall.
- Mid-range: The Westin Denver Downtown – For those looking for a great mid-range option in the downtown Denver area, the Westin is a fabulous option. The rooms are modern, the service is great, and the amenities include a rooftop pool and a great fitness center.
- Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Denver – The Four Seasons is a fabulous luxury option for those looking for remarkable service, an unbelievable aesthetic, and incredible amenities such as a rooftop pool, a marvelous spa, and a beautiful bar and restaurant.
HOW TO GET AROUND DENVER
There are several ways to get around Denver. The best way to get around is by renting a car so that you have your own ride and are able to explore the city and the surrounding areas without having to worry about the hassles of public transportation.
Public transportation
The city of Denver does offer a public bus transportation option as well as a light rail system that will take you throughout Denver and to some of the surrounding areas. This is a great option for those looking to stay directly in Denver and save some money on renting a vehicle.
Car
A car rental as the best way to get around Denver. Renting a car allows you to take day trips and drive around the area without relying on public transportation.
Car rentals in Denver, Colorado
Renting a car is a perfect way to get around, espeically if you want to get outside downtown Denver. Not all areas of the city have public transportation and taking Uber could quickly add up and become more expensive than a daily rate for your rental car.
Where to rent a car in Denver
I recommend DiscoverCars, an online car rental platform where you can find cars of different models. Specify the type of vehicle you are looking for and the system will show you the available options.
➡️ Read my complete guide to car rentals in Denver
Uber
Uber is definitely an option in Denver! This is a great option for those that plan on staying in downtown Denver, and you can also take Uber from Denver Airport.
However, Uber can get fairly expensive depending on how many you plan on taking and what time of day you plan on being!
Plus, taking an Uber is an option to get to surrounding areas like Boulder, Golden, or surrounding mountain towns but the price can be pretty steep, especially of there’s a surge.
DENVER IN OCTOBER: FAQ’S
Is October a good time to visit Denver?
October is a fabulous time to visit Denver! The temperatures are moderate which makes for excellent weather to sit outside on patios, walk around shopping malls, or go on outdoor adventures. The crowds die down between the summer and winter season so there are fewer lines and cheaper accommodations.
Is October a good time to visit Colorado?
October is a perfect time to visit Colorado because of the beautiful weather and marvelous fall foliage, the abundance of fall festivals and celebrations, and countless outdoor recreation activities to participate in.
Is it cold in Denver in October?
Denver doesn’t yet see overly cold tempeartures in October, although it can get chilly. Temperatures in Denver in October can vary but you can typically expect highs in the 60s and lows in the 30s. We recommend wearing layers and checking the forecast in advance so that you are prepared.
What is the weather like in Denver in October daily?
The daily weather in the Mile High City in October is typically highs in the 60s and lows in the 30s.
DENVER IN OCTOBER: FINAL WORD
October is fabulous time to visit Denver if you are looking for a fall getaway and don’t mind wearing some layers, when temperatures begin to drop at night! Due to the incredible temperatures, scarce crowds, fall activities, and outdoor recreational activities, October is the perfect time to visit Denver.