Denver temperature in January? (Niwot: renting, hotel, homes) - City-Data Forum

wika · 12-07-2006, 04:58 PM

Aloha all,

I'm flying into Denver on 11 January for a few nights. It just crossed my mind that it may be cold when I get there... and coming from Hawai'i, cold to me means upper 60's. only once have i experienced temperatures in the upper 40's and that was freeeeeeeeezing. LOL

I looked on a few websites, but the information seems to conflict with each other... one statistical site reports this past january temperatures with an average high of 44... and average low of 16... that can't be possible can it? LOL that's just insane!!! does that mean everyone is wearing huge winter coats, gloves, scarfs and beanies? LOL maybe i watch too much TV.. but i haven't the foggiest!

Any info on what i should expect temperature-wise would be appreciated! Thanks!

Aloha from sunny Hawai'i...

Wika

TinajaCo · 12-07-2006, 05:16 PM

Yes, those average temperatures sound about right, maybe a few degrees low for the high temperature, but even if we had an unseasonably warm day for January, it would probably be in the upper 60s. So, pack appropriately! No, most people live here are accustomed to it, you probably won't see big winter coats if it's an average January day but people will be dressed warmly (ie jackets, sweaters, etc).

McGowdog · 12-07-2006, 05:19 PM

Aloha!

It will probably be cold. We dress in layers or go from our heated cars into our heated homes or places of work.

Fleece works pretty good if you are prone to be cold. Consider wearing the right kind of shoes. You, being from a place that's usually in the 70's day and night all year around, will think it's cold.

You can be outside on a sunny day and 50 will seem pretty warm. But once the sun goes down...BRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

wika · 12-07-2006, 06:15 PM

goodness me! i was kinda hoping you'd tell me that it'll probably be in the 80's and sunny =P unfortunately i have nothing to pack accordingly LOL... my wardrobe consists of tank tops and surf shorts... then again, i suppose that is a great excuse to go shopping!

right kind of shoes? i basically wear flip flops all day every day... or crocs.. hey, they're made in colorado hehehe... not a good idea aye? i never thought about shoes.

thank you for the help, it's kind of scary now thinking about it... it doesn't snow in the city does it? i'll be renting a car, and hawaiians can't even drive in the rain, much less snow. but i have seen snow once!

TinajaCo · 12-07-2006, 06:18 PM

It does snow in Denver, but it's not like it snows everyday and we're buried under three feet of snow from October through April. Usually when it snows, it doesn't stick to the roads and the roads are dry the day after a storm. But, that's not a hard, fast rule, and driving in Colorado you have to be prepared for any type of weather!

2bindenver · 12-08-2006, 07:43 AM

closed toe shoes, boots, hat, gloves, sunscreen, winter coat, fleece jacket, pants, socks.

Crocs made in Niwot, have holes...not good for walking snow or slush.

McGowdog · 12-08-2006, 09:51 AM

Lotion. Chapstick. Kleenex (Colorado is also the nose-mining Capitol of the world).

aka- it's dry here.

chilaili · 12-08-2006, 11:39 AM

Well, if it's any comfort, it won't be as cold as Minnesota! But yes, it will be cold here and it will snow and it will be very dry. So ditto to everyone else's contribution here and pack lots of moisturisers and drink plenty of water. Fact is, it can be 16º one day and 65º the next so layers are important. Good shoes for walking in the snow/ice and the usual accessories. It also gets very windy here in the Winter so prepare for windchill.

wika · 12-08-2006, 01:38 PM

far out... thank you all for your help... i woke up this morning and it was absolutely freezing... it was 62º and it hit me that i'll probably die in Colorado. but that's part of the excitement! very helpful tips and advise, and i truly appreciate them!

COflower · 12-10-2006, 06:11 AM

You'll be fine if you layer, that's the key to life in CO.

Anyhow, you will see people in their shorts if it's in the 30s around here and wearing their Tevas. Strange but true.

I have been known to wear t-shirts (I never wear shorts in public) throughout the winter season. In fact I do more so than I don't.

Just make sure to ask your hotel if they can provide you with a humidifier. Seriously! I had friends come here from Massachusetts and by the end of the trip my poor friend was sicker than a dog. Dry sinuses and such are no fun and you will catch a cold quicker if you aren't properly hydrated, inside and out.

Oh and yes, as others stated, bring sunscreen but drink tons of water while you are here. If you aren't used to altitude, stay away from the alcohol for the first few days, dehydrates you and is not good at all for those not used to altitude.

Keep in mind that there are a ton of Wal*Marts all over the place so if you need a winter jacket, get one then ask the hotel to donate to one of the shelters up there.

Hehe, I am giggling because if you think 62° is cold, you are in for a nice surprise. But you will be fine and be shocked if you see people in their shorts in January here. I see it all the time and it's baffles my mind still, after 38 years of living in CO.

Oh and welcome to our fair state!