Why You Should Visit Denver, Colorado This Fall
The week that I’m working on this post is Denver’s first “False Fall” You know that week when the temperatures drop, there’s rain and it’s cloudy and cool in the morning. There’s a huge sigh of relief after a summer of 53 days hitting 90 degrees or hotter. The thing is summer isn’t over and it’s still going to be hot for awhile and then Fall will be here. I love all of four seasons, but Fall stands out as one of my favorite times of year to visit Denver. It’s a short season, but it’s also pretty magical. When I’m referencing fall in this post I’m specifically talking about September, October and the first week of November. If you’re planning to visit Denver this fall I strongly encourage you to come and I’m going to share all of the reasons why you visit Denver, Colorado this fall.
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Book a Tour
Before I share the itinerary, I do recommend that you also make sure to book a tour while you’re here. There are so many places to visit such as Rocky Mountain National Park, Garden of the Gods and Red Rocks. If you’re not planning to rent a car, don’t feel like dealing with mountain driving conditions (a nightmare during the summer and winter) then I strongly encourage you to book a tour with Viator. Leave the driving and planning in their hands.
What is Denver’s Weather Like During Fall
It’s going to be hard to believe this but the weather from September through the beginning of November is pretty damn nice. Don’t get distracted by the snow reports. It doesn’t snow that often in the city of Denver, it does snow often in the mountains which are a minimum of 45 minutes away from downtown Denver. Even if it does snow in Denver while you’re here for a visit, snow melts quickly here. It’s also incredibly sunny. It’s often said that the city of Denver gets over 300 days of sunshine a year and having grown up here-I think this is a pretty accurate description of what it’s like living here. Lots of sun and blue skies.
There’s also starting to be snow in the mountains so you can visit and enjoy that experience and then return to Denver…where there’s likely no snow and nice weather.
What is There to Do in Denver During the Fall
There’s so much to do in Denver during the fall that I’m often overwhelmed by all of my choices. I’ve shared a shortlist below of fun activities for you to enjoy or consider while planning a visit. If you’re a long-time resident who’s overwhelmed by all of the fun stuff to do (like me) I hope you’re inspired by this list to try something new.
- Watch a professional football game-Denver is home to the Denver Broncos football team.
- Enjoy a professional basketball game-I’m a huge Denver Nuggets fan.
- Love hockey? Catch a Colorado Avalanche game (wear a sweater)
- Prefer the theater? Visit the Denver Center for Performing Arts-Which is said to be one of the largest theater districts in the United States.
- There are so many festivals to enjoy many that are free to experience. Do bring money for food and shopping.
Denver is the Top Coffee Town in the US
I’m a huge lover of coffee, coffee shops and the experiences of being cozy. I’ve visited 46 states and I can say that in 2025 Denver is the number one coffee town in the US. There are a number of reasons why. I’ve even shared a different post detailing why. If you’re looking for a truly “Hygge” experience while you’re in town-Denver local and independently owned coffee shops are great places to visit. Here are a few of my favorite coffee shops in town.
- The Weathervane Cafe
- They also have cabins in the mountains that you can rent. Check out Flying Moon Cabins for more information. Located in “Uptown”
- Coffee Sarap-Filipina owned and inspired coffee shop. Located in Five Points/RINO district at 3460 Larimer Street.
- Fifth Coffee House-Black owned and a whole vibe. This coffee shop is located in the heart of Five Points at 710 E. 26th Ave
- Convivio Cafe-Latina owned and Guatemalan inspired coffee shop. Located in the Highlands at 4935 West 38th Ave., Denver CO 80212
- Roast Coffee Bar-Fabulous local neighborhood coffee shop that hosts happy hours Thursday-Saturday. Located in West Washington Park at 1085 S. Pearl Street.
- Little Owl Coffee-All locations are awesome, but my favorite locations to relax in are the Populus Hotel location and Welton Street.
Most importantly, all of these shops have wonderful coffee forward experiences for people who love it.
Mountain Towns are In Their Shoulder Season
I visit the mountains throughout the year and there are a lot of pluses and minuses attached to mountain travel. Summer and winter mountain travel can be a complete pain to deal with because those are Colorado’s busiest tourist seasons. Fall and Spring, while busy, are a great time to visit mountain towns because there are fewer people, it’s quieter and the calm before “the high season” begins.
The fall shoulder season is also a great time to visit the mountains because there’s still Bustang service to Estes Park and extensive service through out the mountains. I didn’t even mention that this is the time when I start visiting hot springs again. I love soaking and relaxing in a nice hot spring.
The 16th Street (Mall) Revitalization Project
I cannot believe it but the 16th Street Revitalization project that began in 2022 will officially be done in a few weeks. On October 4, 2025 there will be a celebration and an official reopening of 16th Street. I’ve written about and recorded podcast episodes about the impact of this massive infrastructure project that began during the COVID pandemic. I love what they’ve done and have been visiting and enjoying downtown Denver throughout the revitalization project. Some things to do while your downtown exploring 16th Street.
- Stroll up and down the street-There’s also plenty of seating for people watching.
- Eat and drink at Denver’s Union Station-I co-work from there often.
- Visit the Dikeou Collection a free permanent art collection that I love. You do have to book a time to visit.
- Use ResortPass to book some co-working time or an experience at a local hotel or spa.
- Enjoy exploring Larimer Square-I’m so happy that it remains car-free. It’s also getting closer to full retail capacity post COVID.
- Attend a play at Denver Center for Performing Arts
- Disney’s The Lion King is coming!
- Take pictures with the Big Blue Bear who hangs out at the Colorado Convention Center
- Watch Nightlights Denver on the Clock Tower-This continues to be one of my favorite downtown experiences that not enough people talk about. Watch as art is projected onto the downtown Clock Tower. Each month the show changes.
Go to Red Rocks
The weather has been mild enough that the folks managing Red Rocks Amphitheater have been pushing the concert season into November. If you’re looking to have a unique concert going experience, make sure to glance at the final shows of the seasons. I’m hoping to go to the T-Pain concert. Or, workout using Red Rocks as your outdoor gym.
Should You Visit Denver This Fall
The short answer is YES. There’s tons to do, transit that will help you to access a number of different spots across town and in the mountains. The weather is much nicer than you would think and it’s a truly beautiful time of year to visit Denver.
Places Worth Driving To
- Victor, Colorado to visit Rita the Rock Planter giant troll
- Salida, Colorado-I would stay overnight if you do this drive.
- The Royal Gorge-Book the Royal Gorge Route Experience
If you don’t have access to a car you can take the Bustang bus service to Frisco and then transfer to the free Summit Shuttle to Breckenridge. I do this all the time.
Where to Stay
I have a few favorite hotels that I like to suggest. These hotels are based on conversations that I’ve had with visitors to the city, my own experiences and amenities that I think people may be looking for.