Denver mid April trip

Question

Hello, we are a family of 4 ( 5yr and 10 yr old kids) planning a trip to Denver mid April. What kind of weather and driving conditions should we expect in the city? Also how would the roads/driving conditions typically be to drive to Boulder, CO Springs, Breckenridge for day trips? Thank you.

Answer

Hi there,

Visiting Denver in mid-April is generally pleasant, but spring in Colorado can be unpredictable, so it’s good to be prepared for a range of weather and driving conditions.

Weather in Denver:

Temperatures typically range from the low 40s°F (5–7°C) in the morning to highs in the mid-60s°F (17–19°C) in the afternoon.
April can bring a mix of sunshine, rain, and occasionally snow, especially early in the month. Snow showers are usually light in the city but can still make roads slick.
Springtime often comes with wind, so layering is recommended, along with rain jackets or waterproof shoes for the family.

City Driving in Denver:

Downtown Denver roads are well-maintained, with typical urban traffic patterns. Expect normal rush hour congestion in the morning (7–9am) and late afternoon (4–6pm).
Parking in the city can be limited; many attractions have paid garages or metered street parking. Apps can help locate available parking.

Day Trips Driving Conditions:

Boulder: About 30–40 minutes from Denver via US-36. The road is a mostly flat highway, easy to navigate, with minimal winter hazards by mid-April. Traffic can be heavy near Boulder, especially around the university area.
Colorado Springs: Roughly 1–1.5 hours via I-25 South. Conditions are generally good, with no major mountain passes. Watch for occasional spring rain, but snow is rare at this elevation by mid-April.
Breckenridge: About 1.5–2 hours west via I-70 through the mountains. This is a scenic mountain drive, but April can still bring snow, icy patches, or wet roads in the high elevations. Chains are not usually required, but checking road conditions before departure is strongly recommended. Be aware of slower traffic behind slower vehicles on the curves and some uphill sections.

Tips for Driving in April:

Check local weather and CDOT road conditions before heading to the mountains.
Carry warm layers, blankets, and water in the car for mountain trips, especially with young children.
Start mountain drives earlier in the day to avoid afternoon snow or slick roads that can develop with warming temperatures.
Make sure your rental or vehicle is equipped for potential snowy conditions—even in April, high-elevation roads can still have winter-like conditions.

In short, Denver itself should be easy to navigate, while Boulder and Colorado Springs are straightforward. Mountain drives to Breckenridge will be more scenic but require caution, checking conditions, and readiness for variable spring mountain weather.

Denver mid April trip

More Denver Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions