Skip to content

Denver’s 2024 Climate Summary: A Year of Extremes

The National Weather Service has released Denver’s 2024 Climate Summary, revealing a year marked by weather extremes, record-breaking temperatures, and notable storms.

Temperatures: Third Warmest Year on Record

Denver experienced one of its warmest years in history, with an annual mean temperature of 53.9°F, tying with 2012 for the third warmest year on record. This is 2.7°F above the long-term average.

  • Hottest Days: The mercury soared to 102°F on July 12 and August 4.
  • Coldest Days: Arctic air plunged temperatures to a bone-chilling -19°F on January 15 and 16.
State Temperature 2024 courtesy of NWS Boulder and NOAA
State Temperature 2024 courtesy of NWS Boulder and NOAA

Precipitation and Snowfall: Slightly Below Normal Rain, Above-Average Snow

Annual precipitation in Denver totaled 14.12 inches, slightly below the average by 0.36 inches. However, snowfall was a different story, with 57.5 inches recorded for the year—8.3 inches above normal.

State Precipitation 2024 courtesy of NWS Boulder and NOAA
State Precipitation 2024 courtesy of NWS Boulder and NOAA

Notable Weather Events in 2024

Several impactful weather events highlighted Denver’s year:

  • March 13–15 Snowstorm:
    A powerful winter storm dumped heavy snow across the Front Range, leading to difficult travel conditions and widespread power outages.
  • April 6–7 High Wind Event:
    An intense storm system unleashed damaging winds across the mountains, foothills, and northeast plains, with gusts strong enough to cause structural damage.
  • May 30 Severe Hailstorm:
    Late-evening severe thunderstorms pummeled northeast Denver with baseball-sized hail. Other areas reported hailstones between 1.5 and 2.25 inches in diameter. Damage estimates from this event are expected to exceed $1 billion, making it one of the costliest hailstorms in Denver’s history.
  • November 5–9 Snowstorm:
    A slow-moving, complex storm system brought historic snowfall to parts of Colorado, with totals ranging from 18 to 36 inches across the Denver Metro, Palmer Divide, and southern foothills. Some areas in Elbert and Lincoln counties reported over 40 inches of snow, paralyzing travel and causing significant disruptions.

Reflections on 2024

Denver’s weather in 2024 showcased the variability and intensity that Colorado is known for. From record-breaking heatwaves and Arctic cold snaps to billion-dollar hailstorms and historic snowfalls, the year underscored the importance of preparedness for all types of weather.

As we move into 2025, Denver residents can reflect on a year of extremes while looking ahead to the challenges and beauty of Colorado’s ever-changing climate.