The Climate of Arvada, Colorado

Arvada is a city located in Jefferson and Adams counties in the U.S. state of Colorado, northwest of Denver. With a population of around 120,000, Arvada experiences a semi-arid climate, characterized by sunny, mild days and cool nights. The city’s climate is influenced by its location east of the Rocky Mountains, at an elevation of approximately 5,300 feet above sea level.

Arvada has four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. The area is semi-arid, meaning it receives little precipitation annually. The climate supports a variety of outdoor recreational activities year-round. Read on to learn more about Arvada’s climate, weather patterns, and how to prepare for the seasons.

Spring Climate in Arvada

Spring in Arvada runs from March through May. This season brings increasing temperatures, with daily highs rising from the 50s Fahrenheit in March to the 70s by May. Low temperatures range from the 20s to 40s.

Temperature

• Average high temperature in March: 57°F
• Average high temperature in April: 66°F
• Average high temperature in May: 76°F
• Average low temperature in March: 30°F
• Average low temperature in April: 40°F
• Average low temperature in May: 48°F

The last spring freeze usually occurs in late April or early May.

Precipitation

Spring is one of the drier seasons in Arvada, with an average of around 1.5 inches of precipitation monthly. Late spring snow showers are common.

• Average precipitation in March: 1.7 inches
• Average precipitation in April: 1.9 inches
• Average precipitation in May: 1.8 inches

Weather Events

• Late snow showers in March and April
• Increased chance of thunderstorms in May
• Windy, dry days
• Rapidly warming temperatures

What to Expect

• Increasing daylight hours
• Buds on trees by late March
• Wildflowers blooming by May
• Comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities

What to Wear

• March: coats, hats, gloves
• April: light jackets, layers
• May: short sleeves, light jackets for nights

Spring Activities in Arvada

• Hiking – Enjoy wildflowers and budding trees on local trails
• Fishing – Trout fishing opens in late April
• Cycling – Mild temperatures for bike rides
• Golf – Courses open mid-March
• Farmer’s markets – Markets open in May
• Festivals – Cinco de Mayo and more

Summer Climate in Arvada

Summer in Arvada spans June through August and brings hot, dry weather ideal for outdoor recreation. High temperatures average in the 80s, with extended heat waves pushing into the 90s and sometimes 100s. Overnight lows dip into the 50s.

Temperature

• Average high temperature in June: 84°F
• Average high temperature in July: 89°F
• Average high temperature in August: 86°F
• Average low temperature in June: 56°F
• Average low temperature in July: 59°F
• Average low temperature in August: 57°F

Precipitation

Summers are the driest season in Arvada, with barely over an inch of rain per month. Brief afternoon thunderstorms may provide a temporary cooldown.

• Average precipitation in June: 1.1 inches
• Average precipitation in July: 1.5 inches
• Average precipitation in August: 1.3 inches

Weather Events

• Hot, dry days over 90°F
• Afternoon thunderstorms
• Dust storms
• Low humidity

What to Expect

• Long daylight hours
• Sunny, bluebird skies
• Low humidity
• Warm evenings

What to Wear

• Shorts, tanks, t-shirts
• Swimwear
• Sandals, breezy fabrics
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

Summer Activities in Arvada

• Hiking & biking – Ride or walk mountain bike trails and parks early before the heat.
• Paddleboarding, kayaking & rafting – Rivers and reservoirs provide recreation.
• Swimming – Both public pools and standalone swimming holes available.
• Concerts & festivals – Summertime staples with outdoor music and events.
• Golfing – Tee off early to beat the heat.
• Farmers markets – Peak season for produce and food vendors.

Autumn Climate in Arvada

Autumn in Arvada spans September through November. This season brings cooling temperatures, fall foliage, and harvests.

Temperature

• Average high temperature in September: 79°F
• Average high temperature in October: 67°F
• Average high temperature in November: 56°F
• Average low temperature in September: 49°F
• Average low temperature in October: 36°F
• Average low temperature in November: 26°F

The first fall freeze typically occurs by late September or early October.

Precipitation

Precipitation increases slightly in the fall. Snow becomes likely by late November.

• Average precipitation in September: 1.6 inches
• Average precipitation in October: 1.4 inches
• Average precipitation in November: 1.1 inches

Weather Events

• Increasing chances of snow by late November
• Cold fronts and dropping temperatures
• First below freezing nights
• Gusty winds

What to Expect

• Aspen trees changing color by late September
• Days rapidly shortening
• Harvesting crops like pumpkins and gourds
• Migration of birds and wildlife

What to Wear

• September: Shorts, light jackets
• October: Long sleeves, pants, light jackets
• November: Coats, hats, gloves

Autumn Activities in Arvada

• Hiking to see fall foliage
• Apple picking
• Pumpkin patches & corn mazes
• Farmers markets with peak harvest
• Birdwatching for migrations
• Fly fishing in mountain streams

Winter Climate in Arvada

Winter in Arvada spans December through February. The coldest temperatures occur during these months, along with regular snowfall.

Temperature

• Average high temperature in December: 44°F
• Average high temperature in January: 43°F
• Average high temperature in February: 46°F
• Average low temperature in December: 15°F
• Average low temperature in January: 14°F
• Average low temperature in February: 17°F

Lows below 0°F occur frequently throughout winter, especially in January. Wind chills can drive temperatures down to dangerous levels.

Precipitation

Snowfall picks up significantly in the winter, with an average of 7-8 inches monthly. Total liquid precipitation averages around 1 inch.

• Average snowfall in December: 7.5 inches
• Average snowfall in January: 7.9 inches
• Average snowfall in February: 6.7 inches
• Average precipitation in December: 0.8 inches
• Average precipitation in January: 0.8 inches
• Average precipitation in February: 1.0 inches

Weather Events

• Snow storms dumping 6 inches or more
• Blizzard conditions
• Bitterly cold wind chills below zero
• Cloudy, grey days

What to Expect

• Very short daylight hours
• Snow-covered ground
• Frozen ponds and reservoirs
• Snow sports and activities

What to Wear

• Coats, parkas, gloves, hats
• Snow boots
• Layered socks and base layers
• Scarves, face coverings

Winter Activities in Arvada

• Downhill skiing & snowboarding – Eldora Mountain Resort 25 minutes away
• Cross-country skiing – Trails through open spaces
• Ice skating – Outdoor rinks around town
• Sledding – Excellent hills in parks and golf courses
• Snowshoeing – Peaceful treks after fresh snow
• Ice fishing – Drop lines into frozen lakes and ponds

Climate Data for Arvada

Here are some key climate normals and extremes from the Arvada area:

Temperature

Month	Average High	Average Low	Record High	Record Low
January	43°F	14°F	75°F (1950)	-19°F (1913)
April	66°F	40°F	88°F (2011)	12°F (1975)
July	89°F	59°F	105°F (2005)	46°F (2009)
October	67°F	36°F	90°F (2019)	10°F (1969)

Precipitation

Month	Average Precipitation	Record Precipitation	Average Snowfall	Record Snow
January	0.8 inches	3.7 inches (1944)	7.9 inches	28.7 inches (2003)
April	1.9 inches	5.6 inches (1967)	11.2 inches	31.3 inches (1957)
July	1.5 inches	5.8 inches (1965)	0 inches	N/A
October	1.4 inches	5.2 inches (1969)	2.0 inches	22.9 inches (1969)

Growing Season

• Last freeze: May 8
• First freeze: October 3
• Growing season: 148 days

Sunshine & Daylight

• July: 300 hours of sunshine
• December: 160 hours of sunshine
• June: Over 15 hours of daylight
• December: Under 9.5 hours of daylight

How Elevation Impacts Arvada’s Climate

At 5,300 feet above sea level, Arvada’s elevation plays a major role in its cooler and drier climate compared to nearby Denver:

• Cooler temperatures: For every 1,000 foot rise in elevation, temperature drops 3-5°F. This accounts for Arvada’s temperatures being 5-10°F cooler than Denver on average.
• Less moisture: Moisture decreases about 15% for every 1,000 feet gained in elevation. Less moisture means less humidity and precipitation.
• More sunshine: Higher elevations receive more direct sunlight due to less atmosphere and scattering. Arvada sees 5-10% more sunny days than Denver annually.
• Briefer growing season: Higher elevations have a shorter frost-free growing season. Arvada’s season is about 2 weeks shorter than Denver’s.
• Increased snow: Arvada gets 10-15 more inches of snowfall on average compared to Denver as a result of the elevation.
• Enhanced UV: With less atmosphere at higher elevations, UV index ratings can be more extreme. More diligent sun protection is needed.

How Continental Location and Topography Impact Climate

In addition to elevation, Arvada’s climate is shaped by:

• Distance from mountains: Arvada’s location 10-15 miles east of the Front Range of the Rockies blocks some precipitation and moisture. This rain shadow effect enhances its drier climate.
• Flat, open terrain: With an average elevation change of just 500 feet across the city, Arvada lacks major terrain barriers that would influence local weather patterns. This allows frontal systems to pass through easily.
• Latitudinal position: Sitting at 39-40°N places Arvada in the mid-latitudes, far from moderating coastal effects. This continental location contributes to variable weather and distinct seasons.
• Rain shadow effect: As Pacific storms move over the Rockies, the mountains wring moisture out through orographic lift on the windward side. This leaves the leeward side (including Arvada) noticeably drier.
• Chinook winds: These periodic warm, dry gusts descending the eastern Rockies slopes can rapidly boost temperatures, sometimes 40-60°F in hours. This moderates Arvada’s winter cold.

Typical Annual Weather Cycle

Arvada’s climate follows a classic seasonal weather cycle each year:

Winter

December-February bring consistent snowfall and the coldest temps. Bitter wind chills occur with lows below zero. Storm tracks bring frequent snow events. Skies are often cloudy.

Spring

March-May see a gradual warm up along with bone-dry conditions. Late snows give way to sunny, mild days and wildflower blooms. Temperature swings are common.

Summer

June-August are hot and extremely dry. Monsoon moisture sparks thunderstorms in the afternoons. Temperatures routinely top 90°F, with long stretches above 100°F.

Fall

September-November cools off quickly with frost by October. Snow becomes likely by late fall. The first freeze ends the growing season. Daylight hours rapidly diminish.

Historical Weather Events

Here are some exceptional historical weather events that have impacted Arvada:

• 2013 Floods: A stalled weather system dumped over a foot of rain across the Front Range in September 2013. Catastrophic flooding ensued, with 4 county flood disasters declared. Rivers swelled to all-time highs.
• March 2003 Blizzard: A massive 3-day blizzard crippled the Front Range urban corridor with over 5 feet of snow. Arvada recorded 28 inches. Drifts reached 16 feet. Interstates closed for days.
• 1965 Floods: In June 1965, up to 14 inches of rain fell over 2 days, overwhelming Denver-area drainage systems. Extensive flooding damaged homes and infrastructure across Arvada and environs.
• Halloween Blizzard 1991: One of Colorado’s notorious blizzard events buried Arvada under 22 inches of October snow. Trees snapped under the weight of the heavy, wet snow. Power was knocked out for a week in spots.
• Christmas Eve Blizzard 1982: What began as rain transitioned to heavy snow on December 24, 1982. Denver set a new one-day snowfall record of 20.2 inches. Arvada also measured over 2 feet of snow.

Tips for Visiting Arvada Based on Season

Best Times to Visit

Spring and fall are excellent seasons to enjoy Arvada’s moderate temperatures, cultural events, and outdoor recreation without large crowds.

Late spring (May) offers blooming wildflowers, wildlife babies, and pleasant weather without severe summer heat.

September and October feature colorful foliage, fall harvests, and mild temperatures perfect for cycling, hiking, and fishing.

Pack for the Seasons

In winter, bring snow boots, coats, hats, and gloves to safely enjoy cold weather activities like skiing and snowshoeing. Thermal base layers also help.

For summer, pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, shorts, swimsuits, sandals, and ample water to prevent dehydration in the heat and sun.

In spring and fall, light layers like jackets, long sleeves, pants, and hiking shoes allow you to adjust to the variable conditions.

Weather Hazards

Summers bring risks of extreme heat, flash flooding, severe storms, lightning, and wildfires in the foothills. Heath advisories are common.

Winter hazards include snowstorms with whiteout visibility, icy roads, frigid wind chills, hypothermia/frostbite risk, avalanches, and blizzards.

Heed all weather warnings and advisories to stay safe. Avoid mountain roads and outdoor activities in hazardous conditions. Check forecasts before heading out.

Key Things to Do

• Summer: Hiking, biking, water sports, swimming, festivals, evening concerts, farmers markets
• Fall: Leaf peeping, apple picking, harvest festivals, fishing, cycling, golf, corn mazes
• Winter: Skiing/snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, winter hiking, Christmas light displays
• Spring: Hiking, cycling, wilderness camping, birdwatching, golf, fishing, farmers markets, outdoor concerts

Conclusion

Arvada’s climate provides plenty of sunny days year-round to enjoy the outdoors. But dramatic seasonal shifts between hot summers and snowy winters require proper preparation. Pay close attention to weather forecasts before any activities. With the right gear and timing, you’ll delight in everything Arvada’s varied climate has to offer.