March in Denver is a time of transformation, where the last whispers of winter mix with the promising warmth of spring. This unique blend of weather conditions offers an array of activities for the adventurous traveler. Whether you’re a snow enthusiast eager to catch the tail end of the ski season or someone looking to enjoy the burgeoning spring weather, Denver in March has something for everyone.
Denver Weather in March Overview
Let’s dive into the weather specifics to help you plan your trip effectively:
- Average Temperature Range: 34°F to 55°F (1°C to 13°C)
- Humidity: Generally low, but can vary due to the mix of winter and spring weather patterns
- Rainfall: Approximately 1.0 inch (25 mm)
- Snowfall: Around 10.7 inches (27 cm), as March can still bring significant snowfall
- Wind Speeds: Average winds of 8 to 12 mph (13 to 19 kph), with occasional gusts
- Sun Index: Moderate, with UV levels beginning to increase as the days grow longer
- Air Quality: Generally good, with clearer skies following winter
- Sunrise and Sunset Times: Early March sunrise around 6:30 AM, sunset around 6:00 PM; late March sunrise around 6:50 AM, sunset around 7:30 PM
- High/Low Tide Information: Not applicable for Denver
Top Five Activities in Denver in March
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Take advantage of the late-season snow at nearby resorts like Winter Park or Loveland.
- Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Celebrate Irish culture with one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country.
- Botanic Gardens: Witness the early signs of spring with a stroll through the Denver Botanic Gardens.
- Denver Art Museum: Explore world-class art collections, perfect for a chilly or snowy day.
- Brewery Tours: Denver’s craft beer scene is bustling in March, making it a great time to explore local breweries.
Best Restaurants to Dine at in March
- Fruition Restaurant: Offers a cozy atmosphere with seasonal dishes that highlight local ingredients.
- Linger: Enjoy innovative global cuisine with stunning city views.
- Snooze, an A.M. Eatery: Perfect for a hearty breakfast before a day of adventures.
- Guard and Grace: A modern steakhouse that’s ideal for a warming, indulgent meal.
- Root Down: Serves up creative, sustainable dishes in a vibrant setting.
Cool Facts About Denver
- The Mile High City: Denver is nicknamed the “Mile High City” because it is exactly one mile (5,280 feet or 1,609.344 meters) above sea level. This unique elevation has a few interesting effects, such as boiling water at a lower temperature and the need for golf balls to travel further.
- Sunshine Galore: Denver enjoys around 300 days of sunshine a year, more annual hours of sun than Miami Beach or San Diego, making it one of the sunniest cities in the U.S.
- Beer Haven: Denver hosts the Great American Beer Festival, one of the largest beer festivals in the world. The city is also known for its vibrant craft beer scene, with more than 200 breweries in the metro area.
- Denver Mint: The United States Mint in Denver is one of the largest producers of coins in the world. It was established in 1863 to mint coins from the gold mined in the area.
- Biking and Parks: Denver is extremely bike-friendly, with more than 85 miles of paved trails that connect to hundreds of miles of dirt trails and mountain bike adventures. The city also boasts over 5,000 acres of parks and parkways.
- The Blue Bear: Officially titled “I See What You Mean,” the giant blue bear sculpture peeking into the Colorado Convention Center has become an iconic symbol of Denver.
- Red Rocks Amphitheatre: This globally renowned music venue is not only known for its stellar acoustics but is also geologically formed, making it the only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater in the world.
- The Denver Omelet: A popular breakfast dish, the Denver omelet, made with ham, onions, green bell peppers, and cheddar cheese, originated from this city.
- Sports-Focused: Denver is one of the few U.S. cities to have teams in four major sports (football, basketball, baseball, and hockey), and it also has a Major League Soccer team.
- Green Chili: A local culinary favorite, Denver is famous for its unique style of green chili, which is often served as a sauce or stew and is a staple in many local restaurants.
- High Altitude: Denver’s high altitude influences everything from sports performance to baking recipes, with adjustments often needed for both.
- Cultural Attractions: The city is home to a variety of museums, including the Denver Art Museum, the Museum of Nature & Science, and the History Colorado Center, reflecting its rich cultural and historical heritage.
- Denver International Airport: Known locally as DIA, it’s the largest airport in the United States by total area and is renowned for its peaked roof design, which resembles snow-capped mountains.
Essential Things to Consider Before Traveling
- Weather Variability: March can be unpredictable in Denver, so pack layers and be prepared for both snow and mild weather.
- Transportation: While Denver has a reliable public transportation system, renting a car might be more convenient for exploring outside the city, especially the ski resorts.
- Weather Variability: March in Denver can be quite unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from the high 30s to the low 60s Fahrenheit (3-17°C). It’s also one of the snowiest months, so be prepared for sudden snowfall and chilly weather.
- Winter Sports: If you’re into skiing or snowboarding, March is a great time to visit. The nearby Rocky Mountains offer some of the best slopes in the world, and conditions are often ideal this time of year.
- Layered Clothing: Due to the fluctuating temperatures and potential for both sunny days and snowfall, dressing in layers is advisable. This way, you can adjust your clothing to stay comfortable throughout the day.
- Road Conditions: If you plan to drive, especially into the mountains, be prepared for winter driving conditions. Snow tires or chains can be required, and it’s wise to check the weather and road status frequently.
- Altitude Adjustment: Denver’s high altitude can affect visitors not accustomed to it. Drink plenty of water, avoid overexertion on the first few days, and be mindful of altitude sickness symptoms.
- Sun Protection: Despite the cooler temperatures, the sun can be intense, especially at higher elevations. Wear sunscreen and sunglasses to protect against UV rays.
Conclusion: Why March in Denver is Worth the Visit
March in Denver offers a unique opportunity to experience the convergence of winter and spring in one of America’s most vibrant cities. With a variety of activities that cater to both snow lovers and spring seekers, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this transitional month. The weather can be unpredictable, but with the right preparation, you can experience the best of both seasons. From hitting the slopes to enjoying the city’s burgeoning restaurant scene, Denver in March is an ideal destination for those looking to capture the essence of Colorado’s dynamic climate and culture.
