If you’ve lived in Denver for more than a minute, you know the drill. One day you’re wearing shorts on a patio in LoDo, and twelve hours later, you’re digging your car out of a drift that looks like a miniature glacier. Honestly, the weather for denver colorado next week is shaping up to be a classic example of this "Front Range whiplash."
While the mountains are getting hit, the city itself is playing a much weirder game.
Right now, as of Saturday, January 17, 2026, we’re sitting in a pretty chilly pocket. It’s about 25°F outside, but with that northeast wind kicking at 5 mph, it feels more like 19°F. It's sunny, sure, but it’s that deceptive Colorado sun that doesn't actually warm your bones when the air is this crisp.
The Sunday Spike and the MLK Day Dusting
Sunday is where things get interesting. We’re looking at a high of 50°F. That’s a massive jump from today’s high of 36°F. If you’re planning on hitting the trails or just grabbing a coffee on Tennyson, Sunday afternoon is your window. But don't get too comfortable.
By Sunday night, the "snow showers" tag pops up on the forecast. We’re looking at a 35% chance of snow overnight.
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Monday, which is Martin Luther King Day, brings a reality check. The high drops back down to 38°F. There’s a 40% chance of snow during the day. It’s likely not going to be a "cancel your plans" kind of storm, but definitely a "give yourself ten extra minutes to defrost the windshield" situation.
Why It Stays Dry (Mostly)
A lot of people think January in Denver is just a constant barrage of snow. Actually, January is statistically one of our driest months. The National Weather Service records show we usually only get about 0.41 inches of liquid precipitation all month.
The weather for denver colorado next week follows this trend. After that Monday morning dusting, the rest of the week looks fairly clear.
- Tuesday: Back up to 49°F and partly sunny.
- Wednesday: A slightly cooler 44°F.
- Thursday: A surprisingly warm 54°F.
The big factor here is the "Chinook" wind. These are warm, dry winds that come off the Rockies and can eat through a layer of snow in hours. It’s why you’ll see people golfing in Denver while the ski resorts just 60 miles west are reporting two feet of fresh powder.
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The Real Danger: Fire, Not Just Ice
Something most people ignore during a Denver winter is fire risk. Because we’ve had such a dry stretch, the combination of low humidity—dropping as low as 12-18% some days—and gusty winds is a major concern.
We’ve already seen Red Flag Warnings and High Wind Watches issued recently for the eastern plains. When the wind kicks up to 45 mph and the grass is bone-dry, it only takes one spark. If you're heading out toward the plains or the foothills next week, keep that in mind. The "pretty" sunny days are often the most dangerous from a wildfire perspective.
What to Pack and How to Prep
Basically, layering isn't just a suggestion here; it’s a survival strategy.
When the temperature swings from a low of 18°F (predicted for next Saturday) to a high of 54°F (Thursday), your wardrobe needs to be modular. A heavy puffer is great for the morning commute, but you’ll want a light fleece or hoodie underneath for that 2:00 PM sun.
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Also, watch the humidity. It’s going to hover between 18% and 55% all week. That's dry. Like, "your skin will turn into parchment paper" dry. Drink more water than you think you need, and keep the lip balm handy.
By next weekend, January 24, we might see another round of light snow with a high of 48°F and a low of 18°F. It’s a messy, unpredictable cycle, but that’s just January in the Mile High City.
Keep an eye on the wind speeds, especially if you’re driving a high-profile vehicle on I-25 or I-70. Those crosswinds coming off the mountains are no joke, even on a perfectly sunny day.
Next Steps for Denver Residents:
Check your tire pressure now; these 30-degree temperature swings cause it to fluctuate wildly. If you haven't swapped out your wiper fluid for the "de-icer" version, do it before Monday's snow chance. Finally, if you’re planning to travel into the mountains, always check the CDOT reports, as the weather on the other side of the Eisenhower Tunnel is often a completely different world compared to the Denver metro forecast.