If you stepped outside in the Mile High City this morning, you probably noticed something a bit... off for mid-January. Usually, this is the time of year when we're scraping ice off windshields and complaining about the slush on Colfax. Instead, it feels more like a stray day in late March. Honestly, it’s beautiful, but it's also a little weird.
What Is The Weather In Denver Right Now?
Right now, Denver is sitting comfortably under bright, sunny skies with a high of 55°F expected for Wednesday, January 14, 2026. That is a solid 11 degrees warmer than the typical average for this date. The air is bone-dry with humidity hovering around 32%, which is pretty standard for our semi-arid climate, but the Lack of "winter" is the real story here.
While the record high of 65°F (set way back in 1938) isn't likely to be broken today, we are definitely in the middle of a significant warm spell. If you're heading out to Washington Park or grabbing a coffee in RiNo, a light jacket is plenty. You might even see some brave souls in shorts—that’s just Denver for you.
Tonight, things will crisp up. Expect the temperature to drop to a low of 37°F under clear skies. It’s not "freeze your pipes" cold, but it’s a sharp reminder that the sun is doing most of the heavy lifting during the day.
👉 See also: Desi Bazar Desi Kitchen: Why Your Local Grocer is Actually the Best Place to Eat
The Snowpack Problem
You've probably noticed the brown grass. It’s not just your imagination; Colorado is currently facing a record-low snowpack for mid-January. As of today, January 14, 2026, the statewide snowpack is sitting at just 62% of the median. This is actually the second day in a row we've hit all-time record lows for this specific date.
For those of us who live for "Ski Fridays," the outlook is a bit grim. Most resorts like Loveland and Winter Park are looking at maybe an inch of fresh powder over the next five days. We are essentially in a "snow drought," and while the sunny days are great for patio dining, they aren't great for the reservoirs.
Why Denver Weather Is So Unpredictable
People always say, "If you don't like the weather in Denver, wait ten minutes." It’s a cliché because it’s true. The city sits at 5,280 feet, tucked right against the Front Range of the Rockies. This geography creates some wild atmospheric drama.
✨ Don't miss: Deg f to deg c: Why We’re Still Doing Mental Math in 2026
The most famous culprit is the Chinook wind. These are warm, dry winds that blow down the eastern slopes of the mountains. They can hike the temperature up 20 or 30 degrees in a matter of hours, literally eating the snow off the ground. That’s exactly what’s happening this week. The mountains to our west are catching what little moisture is moving through, leaving us in a "rain shadow" that keeps the city dry and mild.
Understanding the January Slump
January is statistically Denver's coldest month, with an average high of 44°F. Seeing 55°F today feels like a gift, but it also creates a false sense of security. I've seen it go from 60°F at noon to a full-blown blizzard by 5:00 PM.
The National Weather Service in Boulder is keeping an eye on a few disturbances toward the end of the month—specifically around January 22nd—but for now, the "dry and mild" trend is winning.
🔗 Read more: Defining Chic: Why It Is Not Just About the Clothes You Wear
Survival Tips for the Mile High Climate
If you’re visiting or just moved here, the weather isn't just about the temperature. It’s about the physics of being a mile high.
- Hydrate like it’s your job. The air here is desert-dry. You lose moisture just by breathing. If you don't drink twice as much water as you do at sea level, you’re going to end up with a "Denver headache" (which is basically mild altitude sickness).
- Sunscreen is mandatory. You are 5,280 feet closer to the sun. There is 25% less atmosphere to protect your skin. Even on a "cool" 50-degree day, you will burn.
- The Layering Rule. Never leave the house in just a heavy parka or just a t-shirt. You need a base layer, a mid-layer (like a fleece), and a shell. The sun is powerful; 55°F in the sun feels like 70°F, but the second you step into the shade, it feels like 40°F.
What to Expect Through the Weekend
The "sunny and mild" forecast isn't going anywhere fast. We are looking at highs in the mid-40s to low 60s through Sunday.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 50°F.
- Friday: A bit cooler, high of 46°F, but still clear.
- Saturday: Warming back up to the low 50s.
It’s perfect weather for hiking the foothills or visiting the Red Rocks Trading Post, but maybe hold off on the heavy-duty backcountry skiing unless you like rocks and slush.
Actionable Steps for Today
Since what is the weather in denver today is essentially "spring in winter," here is how you should actually handle it:
- Check your tire pressure. Those 20-degree swings between day and night cause your tire pressure to fluctuate wildly.
- Water your trees. If you have young trees in your yard, this dry spell is killing them. Since the ground isn't frozen and there’s no snow cover, give them a deep soak today.
- Sunglasses are a must. With the sun at a lower angle in January, the glare off the pavement (and any remaining white patches of ice) is brutal for driving.
- Monitor the mountains. If you are planning a trip up I-70, don't trust the Denver forecast. It can be 55°F at the Capitol and 15°F with blowing snow at the Eisenhower Tunnel.
Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts, because in Colorado, the "big one" is usually hiding just around the corner of a 60-degree day.