Arvada is a vibrant city located in the Denver metropolitan area of Colorado, United States. Situated in the northwestern part of the state, Arvada lies approximately 7 miles northwest of downtown Denver. The city spans an area of around 38 square miles and is bordered by the majestic Rocky Mountains to the west, offering breathtaking views and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. With a population of over 120,000 residents, Arvada is the seventh most populous city in Colorado and is known for its thriving economy, diverse community, and strong sense of civic pride. Major landmarks in Arvada include the historic Olde Town Arvada, the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, and the Apex Center, a state-of-the-art recreational facility. The city is also home to several notable companies and institutions, including the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Red Rocks Community College.
Climate and Weather Overview
To provide a comprehensive overview of the climate in Arvada, let’s examine the average temperature, precipitation, and number of sunny days for each month of the year.
| Month | Average Temperature (Fahrenheit) | Precipitation (inches) | Sunny Days |
| January | 43°F | 0.47 inches | 26 days |
| February | 45°F | 0.53 inches | 26 days |
| March | 51°F | 1.12 inches | 29 days |
| April | 58°F | 1.78 inches | 29 days |
| May | 67°F | 2.30 inches | 30 days |
| June | 77°F | 1.69 inches | 30 days |
| July | 82°F | 1.63 inches | 31 days |
| August | 80°F | 1.56 inches | 30 days |
| September | 73°F | 1.29 inches | 29 days |
| October | 63°F | 1.02 inches | 28 days |
| November | 52°F | 0.79 inches | 25 days |
| December | 44°F | 0.49 inches | 25 days |
Weather by Month
January
January in Arvada is typically cold and dry, with average temperatures around 43°F. While snowfall is possible, precipitation levels are relatively low, averaging 0.47 inches. Despite the chilly temperatures, there are 26 sunny days, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the nearby Rocky Mountains.
February
February brings similar weather conditions to January, with average temperatures around 45°F. While temperatures remain cool, precipitation levels increase slightly, with an average of 0.53 inches. With 26 sunny days, residents can continue to enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities such as ice skating, sledding, and winter hikes in the surrounding foothills.
March
As spring approaches, March sees a gradual increase in temperatures in Arvada, with average highs reaching 51°F. While temperatures become milder, precipitation levels rise, with an average of 1.12 inches. Sunny days become more frequent, with 29 days of clear skies, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the city’s parks and trails.
April
April marks the onset of warmer weather in Arvada, with average highs climbing to 58°F. While temperatures rise, precipitation levels continue to increase, with an average of 1.78 inches. Despite the occasional showers, there are 29 sunny days, allowing residents and visitors to fully embrace the arrival of spring by participating in outdoor activities such as gardening, picnicking, and visiting local attractions.
May
May brings even warmer temperatures to Arvada, with average highs reaching 67°F. While temperatures soar, rainfall levels increase as well, with an average precipitation of 2.30 inches. Despite the occasional showers, there are 30 sunny days, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the city’s parks, lakes, and open spaces.
June
June heralds the arrival of summer in Arvada, with average highs soaring to 77°F. The weather becomes significantly warmer, with occasional thunderstorms contributing to an average precipitation of 1.69 inches. Despite the heat and rain, there are still 30 sunny days, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, camping, and exploring the city’s vibrant neighborhoods and cultural attractions.
July
July is typically the warmest month in Arvada, with scorching average highs of 82°F. The summer heat is accompanied by moderate precipitation, with an average of 1.63 inches. Despite the intense heat, residents and visitors can still enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking in the city’s parks and green spaces. Additionally, July is a prime time for attending outdoor concerts, festivals, and events.
August
Similar to July, August maintains warm temperatures in Arvada, with average highs around 80°F. Moderate precipitation continues, with an average of 1.56 inches. Despite the heat and occasional rain showers, outdoor enthusiasts can still partake in activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the city’s scenic trails and natural areas. Additionally, August is an excellent time for visiting local farmers’ markets, art fairs, and outdoor dining venues.
September
As summer transitions to fall, September brings slightly cooler temperatures to Arvada, with average highs of 73°F. While temperatures moderate, occasional rain showers are still possible, contributing to an average precipitation of 1.29 inches. With 29 sunny days, outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and exploring the city’s parks and open spaces are popular choices for residents and visitors alike.
October
October sees a further decrease in temperatures in Arvada, with average highs dropping to 63°F. While the weather remains mild, rain showers become less frequent, with an average precipitation of 1.02 inches. With 28 sunny days, residents and visitors can still enjoy outdoor activities such as scenic drives, leaf-peeping, and visiting pumpkin patches and corn mazes.
November
November brings cooler temperatures and shorter days to Arvada, with average highs of 52°F. While temperatures cool, precipitation levels increase, averaging 0.79 inches. With 25 sunny days, outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and nature walks are popular as residents embrace the changing colors of fall and prepare for the upcoming winter season.
December
December in Arvada is characterized by cold temperatures and occasional snow showers. The average high temperature is around 44°F, with cool evenings and occasional flurries. Precipitation levels increase slightly compared to previous months, with an average of 0.49 inches, primarily in the form of light snowfall or rain. Despite the cooler temperatures, there are still 25 sunny days, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as holiday festivities, winter hikes, and exploring the city’s festive decorations.
Natural Disasters
While Arvada is relatively sheltered from major natural disasters, it is still susceptible to occasional hazards common to the region, including wildfires, severe thunderstorms, and winter storms. Wildfires can occur during the dry summer months, posing risks to property and public safety. Severe thunderstorms can produce damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall, leading to property damage and power outages. Additionally, winter storms can bring heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, resulting in hazardous driving conditions and potential power outages.
Recommended Activities
Throughout the year, Arvada offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. Some recommended activities by month include:
- January: Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing in the nearby Rocky Mountains.
- February: Ice skating, sledding, winter hikes in local parks.
- March: Hiking, biking, exploring city parks and trails.
- April: Gardening, picnicking, visiting local attractions.
- May: Hiking, biking, exploring lakes and open spaces.
- June: Swimming, camping, exploring vibrant neighborhoods.
- July: Hiking, biking, attending outdoor concerts and festivals.
- August: Hiking, mountain biking, visiting farmers’ markets.
- September: Camping, hiking, exploring natural areas.
- October: Scenic drives, leaf-peeping, visiting pumpkin patches.
- November: Nature walks, birdwatching, preparing for winter.
- December: Holiday festivities, winter hikes, exploring festive decorations.