June 20, 2025: A Perfect Example of a Classic Colorado Solstice
Every year around June 20 or 21, the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, marking the summer solstice—the longest day of the year. In Colorado, especially in Denver, that day typically offers a classic sample of summer: warm, sunny, and generally dry.
This year, June 20, 2025, was a textbook example. Denver officially reached a high of 99°F, tying the all-time record for the date originally set in 2017. It was a scorcher, and also the hottest solstice day Denver has seen in nearly a decade. The morning low was a mild 63°F, bringing the daily average to 81°F, which was 11 degrees above normal for this time of year.
There was no precipitation, humidity was low (dropping to just 9% in the afternoon), skies were mostly clear (with an average sky cover of just 0.2), and the wind gusted up to 38 mph from the south. In other words—it felt like summer in Colorado.
A Snapshot of Solstice Weather in Denver
Looking back at over 150 years of climate data (since 1872), here’s what a typical summer solstice has looked like in Denver:
- Average High Temperature: 83.6°F
- Average Low Temperature: 55.0°F
- Average Daily Mean Temperature: 69.3°F
- Average Precipitation: Just 0.02 inches
- Snowfall? Essentially nonexistent
If you’re planning a hike, BBQ, or backyard stargazing party around the solstice, odds are in your favor. About 93% of the time, the solstice has come and gone with no measurable rain. In fact, many years have seen high temperatures soar into the 90s, with 2025 joining the ranks of the hottest years on record.
Denver’s Solstice Extremes
- Hottest Solstice Day: 99°F (2007, 2017, and now 2025)
- Coolest High Temperature: 60°F (1947, following a rare cold front)
- Wettest Solstice: June 21, 2023, with 1.85 inches of rain
- Coldest Recorded Low: 40°F (also in 1947)
What Makes Solstice Weather Special in Colorado?
Colorado’s high elevation and relatively dry air allow for large temperature swings between day and night. So while it might hit the upper 90s in the afternoon, evenings often cool down quickly into the 50s and 60s. That’s part of what makes summer evenings here so enjoyable—perfect for a late-night patio hangout or watching the sun linger on the horizon.
And speaking of sunsets, this year’s solstice gave Coloradans a full 15 hours of daylight, with the sun rising at 5:31 AM and setting at 8:31 PM MDT.
In Short: Expect Warmth and Sun
If you’re wondering what to expect for next year’s solstice or simply planning a future celebration, count on comfortably warm days, cool nights, and minimal chance of rain. Just keep the sunscreen close by—and maybe a light jacket for when the sun dips behind the Rockies.
Fun Fact: Despite Denver’s wild swings in weather throughout the year, the summer solstice is surprisingly consistent. Year after year, it’s one of the most reliably pleasant days on Colorado’s calendar—and 2025 was no exception.