When it comes to planning a trip to Denver, Colorado, one of the most important factors to consider is the timing. While Denver is a beautiful city to visit any time of the year, some periods are more expensive than others. In this article, we’ll explore the most expensive times to visit Denver and provide you with some valuable insights to help you plan your trip accordingly.
The Peak Tourist Season
The peak tourist season in Denver typically runs from June to August, with July being the most popular month. During this time, the city is bustling with visitors from all over the world, and accommodations, flights, and activities can be quite pricey. If you’re looking to save some money, it’s best to avoid this period.
Why is it so Expensive?
There are several reasons why the peak tourist season is the most expensive time to visit Denver. Firstly, the summer months are the perfect time to enjoy the city’s outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and rafting. This attracts a large number of tourists, which drives up demand and prices. Secondly, the city hosts several major festivals and events during this period, including the Denver Summer Fest, the Denver Film Festival, and the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. These events attract a large crowd and can increase prices for accommodations and activities. Finally, the peak tourist season coincides with the peak travel season, which means that flights and accommodations are in high demand, leading to higher prices.
Accommodation Prices
Accommodation prices in Denver can be quite steep during the peak tourist season. On average, you can expect to pay around $200-300 per night for a hotel room, with prices reaching as high as $500-600 per night for luxury hotels. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider staying in a hostel or Airbnb, which can cost around $100-150 per night.
Flight Prices
Flight prices to Denver can also be quite high during the peak tourist season. On average, you can expect to pay around $500-700 per round-trip ticket, with prices reaching as high as $1,000-1,500 per ticket for peak travel dates. If you’re looking to save some money, consider flying into Denver International Airport (DEN) instead of Stapleton International Airport (DEN), which is closer to the city center.
Activity Prices
Activity prices in Denver can also be quite high during the peak tourist season. On average, you can expect to pay around $50-100 per person for popular activities such as guided tours, rafting, and hiking. If you’re looking to save some money, consider visiting the city’s many free attractions, such as the Denver Art Museum, the History Colorado Center, and the Denver Botanic Gardens.
The Shoulder Season
The shoulder season in Denver typically runs from April to May and September to November. During this time, the city is less crowded, and prices for accommodations, flights, and activities are generally lower. If you’re looking to save some money, consider visiting during the shoulder season. (See Also: Best Time Of Year To Visit Portland Maine? Discover Now)
Why is it a Good Time to Visit?
The shoulder season is a great time to visit Denver for several reasons. Firstly, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and rafting. Secondly, the city’s festivals and events are less crowded, making it easier to enjoy them without the hassle of large crowds. Finally, prices for accommodations, flights, and activities are generally lower, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Accommodation Prices
Accommodation prices in Denver during the shoulder season can be significantly lower than during the peak tourist season. On average, you can expect to pay around $100-150 per night for a hotel room, with prices reaching as low as $50-70 per night for budget-friendly options.
Flight Prices
Flight prices to Denver during the shoulder season can also be lower than during the peak tourist season. On average, you can expect to pay around $300-500 per round-trip ticket, with prices reaching as low as $200-300 per ticket for off-peak travel dates.
Activity Prices
Activity prices in Denver during the shoulder season can also be lower than during the peak tourist season. On average, you can expect to pay around $20-50 per person for popular activities such as guided tours, rafting, and hiking. If you’re looking to save even more money, consider visiting the city’s many free attractions.
The Off-Peak Season
The off-peak season in Denver typically runs from December to March. During this time, the city is at its quietest, and prices for accommodations, flights, and activities are generally the lowest. If you’re looking to save some serious money, consider visiting during the off-peak season.
Why is it a Good Time to Visit?
The off-peak season is a great time to visit Denver for several reasons. Firstly, the city’s attractions and activities are generally less crowded, making it easier to enjoy them without the hassle of large crowds. Secondly, prices for accommodations, flights, and activities are generally the lowest, making it a more budget-friendly option. Finally, the city’s winter sports and activities, such as skiing and snowshoeing, are popular during this time, making it a great time to visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
Accommodation Prices
Accommodation prices in Denver during the off-peak season can be significantly lower than during the peak tourist season. On average, you can expect to pay around $50-70 per night for a hotel room, with prices reaching as low as $30-50 per night for budget-friendly options. (See Also: Best Time To Visit Saskatoon – Seasons Uncovered)
Flight Prices
Flight prices to Denver during the off-peak season can also be lower than during the peak tourist season. On average, you can expect to pay around $200-300 per round-trip ticket, with prices reaching as low as $100-200 per ticket for off-peak travel dates.
Activity Prices
Activity prices in Denver during the off-peak season can also be lower than during the peak tourist season. On average, you can expect to pay around $10-20 per person for popular activities such as guided tours, rafting, and hiking. If you’re looking to save even more money, consider visiting the city’s many free attractions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the most expensive time to visit Denver is during the peak tourist season, which typically runs from June to August. During this time, prices for accommodations, flights, and activities are generally higher due to high demand. If you’re looking to save some money, consider visiting during the shoulder season or off-peak season, when prices are generally lower. By planning your trip accordingly, you can enjoy all that Denver has to offer without breaking the bank.
Recap
Here’s a recap of the most expensive times to visit Denver:
- Peak tourist season: June to August
- Shoulder season: April to May and September to November
- Off-peak season: December to March
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Denver?
The best time to visit Denver depends on your preferences and what you’re looking to do. If you’re looking for good weather and outdoor activities, the shoulder season (April to May and September to November) is a great time to visit. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider visiting during the off-peak season (December to March).
What are the most popular festivals and events in Denver?
Denver hosts several popular festivals and events throughout the year, including the Denver Summer Fest, the Denver Film Festival, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, and the Denver Comic Con. These events can attract large crowds and drive up prices for accommodations and activities. (See Also: Best Time to Visit Pucket – Discover The Perfect Weather)
What are the best free attractions in Denver?
Denver has several free attractions, including the Denver Art Museum, the History Colorado Center, and the Denver Botanic Gardens. These attractions offer a great way to experience the city’s culture and history without breaking the bank.
What are the best budget-friendly accommodations in Denver?
Denver has several budget-friendly accommodations, including hostels and Airbnb options. Consider staying in a hostel or Airbnb instead of a hotel to save some money.
What are the best budget-friendly activities in Denver?
Denver has several budget-friendly activities, including hiking, biking, and rafting. Consider visiting the city’s many free attractions or participating in outdoor activities to save some money.
