Denver’s first snow is nearly three weeks overdue: Could 2026 break the record?

If it doesn’t feel like November yet, you’re not imagining it. Denver still hasn’t recorded its first measurable snow of the season, and it’s getting late. The average first snow arrives around Oct. 19, almost three weeks ago. Since then, the city has had plenty of sunshine and patio weather and no flakes to show for it.

So how late is too late? The record belongs to 2021, when Denver’s first measurable snow didn’t arrive until Dec. 10, and it was only 0.3 inches. 9NEWS noted at the time that it was Denver’s first snowless fall on record. Second place is even more recent. Last year, the first measurable snow came on Nov. 29, and it was a whopping 0.2 inches. That means two of Denver’s latest-ever first snows have happened in the last five years.

For now, 2026 isn’t threatening the record yet, but it’s starting to climb the list. If Denver makes it through Nov. 16 without measurable snow, this fall will rank among the latest first snowfalls in the city’s history. The seven-day forecast looks quiet and dry, so that could happen. There’s a little hope on the horizon, though. The 8-to-14-day outlook leans wetter than average across Colorado, so a change in the pattern could finally bring the shovels out before Thanksgiving.

Until then, enjoy the bonus fall. Leave the ski rack on the car and keep the snow boots by the door. Experience says Denver’s first snow likes to show up the day after you put the patio furniture back out.