Square State Colorado

What is Colorado Like In January? Denver and Boulder Edition

I attended college in the northeast. I’d never been so cold in my life than during those 4 years, so I was constantly confused by everyone asking me about how I handled the horrible weather in Denver. No one believed me when I told them that the weather was pretty nice and definitely better than whatever people were dealing with during a normal midwestern or northeastern winter. People regularly ask me what is Colorado like in January? How should they prepare for the weather and is there anything to do besides skiing? January happens to be a pretty busy month both in the Denver metro area and the mountains(especially if you’re staying in a town that is located by a hot spring or ski resort) I’m going to share the following: what to pack, what the weather is typically like, events to plan for and what it’s like getting around without a car. If you’re one of the many people coming to Colorado for the Sundance Film Festival or one of the other big events happening that month listen on. If you live in Colorado but this is your first January-continue listening on. Have you been wondering what is Colorado like in January? I have some answers Long-time Coloradans, what would you have included in this episode that I didn’t? Did I forget anything?

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Book Your Hotel ASAP!

If you’re reading this post in late Fall, do know that hotels get booked fast during the winter season here in Colorado. The prices also adjust (go up) because of that. Before booking keep some things in mind.

• Review all of the terms associated with booking your hotel early. Will the hotel have you pay a deposit, charge fines, etc.

• Book near transit ideally walking distance to light rail or access to/transfer to Union Station-If you’re in Denver almost all hotels in the downtown corridor are accessible by public transit. Here is my short-list.
  • Limelight Hotel
  • Hilton Garden Inn Union Station
  • Indigo Hotel
  • Catbird Hotel
  • The Maven
  • The Rally Hotel

Cowtown Denver

Are you Denver, Colorado curious because you’d like to visit sometime or are thinking about moving here? Do you live in Denver and are needing some help figuring out what to do, where to go and how to find good food? Are you trying to find community and connection? Cowtown Denver is a weekly newsletter that shares everything ranging from how to get social, where to eat and things to do each week from a long-time local’s perspective. Sign up at: https://squarestateco.com/cowtown

What to Pack

(What’s the Weather Like)

January is one of my favorite times of year because of the weather and different activities that you can enjoy unique to winter. The weather is pretty nice in January but there are a few things that are important to be aware of.

• Temperatures are typically colder the higher you go up in altitude. If you plan on visiting the mountains during the winter, if it’s a normal winter, then it will be colder and snowier up at those higher altitudes.

• It’s sunny in Colorado all year long and you can get sunburned because of the sun bouncing off the snow onto your skin.

• Coloradan’s like to be active and walk a lot. I know that there’s the urge to purchase super fashionable ski gear, try to keep it cute and functional or you’ll be hating life.

• Boulder is at a slightly higher altitude than Denver. You’re more likely to experience snow in Boulder than in Denver at this time of year.

What to Pack

You’re going to be preparing for wide variations of weather and activities at the same time.

• Sunblock

• Lotion and good lip balm (with SPF)

• A good water bottle-It’s very dry in Colorado and you will need to drink more water at altitude

• One or two swimsuits-Hot tubs and hot springs are in your future.

• A beanie or earmuffs to cover your ears

• Gloves

• Good comfortable walking shoes

• Winter boots for any mountain walking around

Ski or Outdoors Activities

I’m going to assume that you’re renting equipment vs. traveling with it. This list is more for the person who is new to skiing or snow focused activities. Especially if you plan on going several times while in town. These items are in addition to the items suggested for a regular visit.

• Waterproof ski gloves-They even have some that you can plug in and are warm
  • Check rules for traveling if they have an actual battery vs. USB

• Goggles-the sun will blind you

• Really good thick socks-Preferably a wool blend

• Thermals for skiing/snowboarding/snowmobiling/hiking/snowshoeing

• Thick comfy layers

• A light backpack for snacks and water

The most important thing to keep in mind is that the weather changes quickly and often during the winter. It will be warm in the sun, chilly in the shade. People here do eat on patios and sit outside if they have the right clothing and it’s not windy. If it’s around 40 degrees are warmer and no breeze-people will enjoy sitting outside on a patio. You’ve been warned. One last thing, it may snow while you’re in town but it typically melts pretty fast.

The Mood and What to Do

I really love this time of year. Traditionally, holiday lights are still up until the National Western Stock Show leaves town. This coincides with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. observation weekend. The mood in Colorado is upbeat and fun. We’re enjoying cozy nights, wearing sweaters, hot tubs and hot springs and other fun activities that happen at this time of year. If you love sportsball: there’s likely going to be Denver Broncos playoff games, Denver Nuggets games (Basketball), Colorado Avalanche (Hockey-wear warm clothes to those games) and Colorado Mammoth (Lacrosse) games. There may also be a PWHL Takeover game during that time at Ball Arena (hopefully)

Notable Events

• National Western Stock Show January 7-January 24th

• Sundance International Film Festival January January 21-January 31st
  • If you plan on staying in Denver and commuting to Boulder (super easy to do) here are the hotels that I recommend staying at in order to do that.

• International Ice Sculpture Competition in Breckenridge, Colorado January 23-February 2, 2027

• X-Games Aspen, Colorado January 29th-January 31st

• Winter Park Ski Train departing from Union Station

• Ice Castles: TBA

What About Getting Around?

If you’re planning on visiting and going car free in January it’s totally possible. In fact, there’s a train that goes from DEN/DIA direct to downtown Denver’s Union Station. If you’re staying in Denver’s main downtown district, it’s very easy to get around and we have a variety of transit options ranging from: walking, biking, the Free Mall Ride on 16th Street, RTD Buses, Bustang, Amtrak and the light rail system.

One important piece of advice, if you can avoid giong to the mountains during the weekend and instead go during the week-I highly recommend doing this. The weekends are insane and traffic backups sometimes for hours at a time. If you’re planning on commuting between Boulder and Denver I do want to mention that Boulder is extremely easy to get around while you’re there. I do recommend familiarizing yourself with how to pay for transit if you plan on taking the bus. It’s pretty straightforward but good to check out prior to arrival.

What is Colorado Like in January?

Honestly, Colorado in January can be a mixed bag in terms of the weather. It’s usually sunny but it can be snowy, windy and then warm again all in the same day. People take it in stride though because we’re able to spend time in the mountains to decompress. The pace is slow but that’s just a Denver thing. However, I do think that January is a fantastic time to visit Denver and the state of Colorado. Just bring layers and don’t forget your swimsuit.