Denver sets new record for ‘hottest Christmas Day’ – with records dating back to 1872
It’s official – Denver broke an all-time temperature record for Christmas Day, recording the hottest temperature in the Mile High City on December 25 since at least 1872.
According to the National Weather Service, Denver hit a high of 71 degrees on Christmas, in-line with what was previously forecasted for the day. This topped the previous all-time record of 69 degrees on December 25, a temperature that was reached in 2005.
The typical temperature for Christmas in Denver is about 43 degrees – this past Thursday brought a temperature 28 degrees higher than that.
While 71 degrees is quite toasty for December, it’s actually pretty far from the all-time December temperature record for Denver. In 1939, a temperature of 79 degrees was reached on December 5. Meanwhile, the second-hottest temperature Denver has hit in December was reached just days ago – 76 degrees on December 22, 2025. In fact, 15 dates in December have seen a temperature of 71 degrees or higher (December 25 now included) since records started in 1872.
December temperatures in the 70s in Denver are rare, but not unheard of. In addition to Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo also broke temperature records set in 1955 and 1971, respectively, hitting highs of 71 and 75 degrees on Christmas Day.
The warm December temperatures (and lack of snow) on the Front Range thus far this year has been part of a larger trend impacting the state. Currently, the snowpack is at just 54 percent of the norm with a snow-water equivalent of 3.3 inches – on par with the all-time low for the date.
Looking ahead, colder and snowier weather is expected over the weekend, with a storm expected to blow through from Friday night into Sunday morning. A large portion of the state could get 12-plus inches of snow and while Denver isn’t expected to get that much, there should be some flakes falling in the Mile High City at some point this weekend.
Find additional information related to the incoming snowstorm here.
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