Denver Could See Record-Late First Snow Nov. 18-22
Forecasts show a cold air mass and moisture could bring Denver's first measurable snow between Nov. 18 and Nov. 22, potentially challenging its latest-snow records.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Forecasts
Denver is forecast to see one of its five latest first measurable snows in recorded history, with a cold air mass expected to move through the city. A 0% chance of snow is projected before Nov. 17, with the best opportunity falling between Nov. 18 and Nov. 22.
Why it matters
If snow does not fall by the Nov. 18 to Nov. 22 window, Denver's top two latest-snow records could be challenged. The forecast reflects a Super El Niño season in Colorado, where the last three comparable seasons saw first snows between Oct. 19 and Nov. 5.
The forecast draws on projections of a cold air mass and moisture moving through Denver, with a 0% chance of snow before Nov. 17 and the best chance between Nov. 18 and Nov. 22. Whether moisture arrives in sufficient amounts to produce measurable snow remains unresolved.
The details
A cold shot of air is expected to move through Denver and, if paired with moisture, should deliver the city's first snow of the season. Denver's second-latest first snow on record fell on Nov. 29, 2025, and the top five latest first snows in city history include Nov. 21, 1934, Nov. 19, 1931, and Nov. 17, 2016.
Timeline
Oct. 19: Average date of Denver's first snow in recent years
Nov. 17, 2016: Fifth-latest first snow in Denver history
Nov. 18 to Nov. 22: Forecast window for Denver's best chance of first snow
Nov. 29, 2025: Denver's second-latest first snow on record
Seasonal Patterns
Denver's first snow has ranked among its five latest on record, including Dec. 10, 2021, and Nov. 29, 2025. A snowfall in the Nov. 18 to Nov. 22 window would place this season among the city's latest-starting winters in its recorded history.
Residents preparing for the first snow should plan for winter driving conditions during the Nov. 18 to Nov. 22 window. Checking local forecasts closer to the date will help determine when conditions are likely to turn wintry.
The takeaway
Denver's first snow timing is shaped by seasonal patterns, and tracking forecasts closer to mid-November will show whether the city sees its latest start in recent memory.
What happens next
Denver's best window for first snow falls between Nov. 18 and Nov. 22, 2026, and forecasters will determine whether moisture arrives to produce measurable accumulation.
Further reading
Explore more Denver forecasts for the latest outlooks on the city's upcoming weather.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX31 Denver KDVR.
