About the City of Denver

Welcome to the Mile High City! 

Denver is the capital city of the state of Colorado. Denver’s elevation of 5,280 feet (1,609 meters) above sea level earned it the nickname “Mile High City” and makes it the 16th-highest city in the world and the highest city in North America. Due to the high elevation and sun exposure, drinking plenty of water and wearing sun protection such as lotions and hats is essential to prevent health problems such as dehydration, headaches, and sunburn.

Over three million people live in the Denver metropolitan area, which includes the city of Denver and neighboring counties. The city is culturally diverse, with 68.8% of the population being White, 9% African American, and 29.8% Hispanic. 14.2% of the population are immigrants or refugees. Most IRC clients reside in the cities of Denver or Aurora, mainly in the neighborhoods of Lowry, East Colfax, Capitol Hill, West Colfax, Hale, Hampden, or Virginia Village. The IRC office is located in Virginia Village.

The nearby Rocky Mountains make the city a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Many residents spend their weekends hiking, camping, skiing, and spending time in the mountains. Within the city there is also much to do from visiting the city’s museums and parks to exploring the different neighborhoods of Denver.

Denver Climate and Weather

Denver is a beautiful city with a unique climate influenced by its location and high elevation. You will enjoy sunny days for more than 300 days a year, with only between 8 and 15 inches of rain per year. Due to the nearby Rocky Mountain Range, you may experience unexpected weather changes.  

When you arrive in Denver, taking care of your health is essential. The high elevation can challenge your body and brain, and the sun can be intense. Don't worry; your body will adjust in about a week. In the meantime, please drink plenty of water and use sun protection to avoid dehydration, headaches, fatigue, and sunburn.  

Long but inconsistent snowy season: The Mile High City has two peak snowy seasons, first in November and then again in March or April. The average snowfall is 57 inches per year.

Hot sun: The snow often melts as quickly as it falls, thanks to Denver’s extra warm sun. The sun is hotter and more powerful at that height, so apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the day. It is recommended to wear sunscreen all year round and drink lots of water.  

Mild but unpredictable summers: Temperatures can be very warm from June to August. Afternoon thunder and hailstorms are very common in the summer months. However, there are many fun things to do in the summer in Denver to take advantage of the beautiful weather!