Unbeknownst to many, Denver is one of the sunniest cities in the nation, boasting over 300 days of sunshine annually. Most winters are moderate, and the occasional snow melts quickly in the high altitude sunshine. Summers are warm and dry, springs are fairly temperate and the Aspen trees' golden leaves make autumn in Colorado quite lovely.

The old joke about Colorado weather is "If you don't like it, wait 15 minutes, maybe you'll like that better." Weather can change with dramatic swiftness in the Mile High City. Sunny days can suddenly turn stormy, winds gusty, and the air can be filled with rain, hail, sleet or snow.

Because of the constantly changing weather, it is recommended that you dress in layers. This allows you to remove or add clothing with shifting weather conditions.

It is a good idea to carry an umbrella or rain jacket in the spring and summer months, even though there's usually not a cloud in the sky when the day begins. Fast-moving, late afternoon thunderstorms are common in June and July. Snow can fall as late as May and as early as September in the metro area. Wet weather conditions on the Front Range are usually brief. Extended periods of rainy or snowy weather are virtually unknown. The combined annual rain and snowfall average is just 15.40 inches of precipitation, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The sun-filled days and low humidity make summer days seem cooler and winter days feel warmer. The last freeze date for Denver is considered to be May 15.