Denver’s week of big temperature swings: crisp nights, a Tuesday cool-down, then a weekend warm-up

Denver kicks off the new week with sunshine and classic Front Range whiplash: a mild, breezy Monday, a sharp cool-down Tuesday, then a steady climb back to pleasant, warmer-than-normal afternoons by the weekend. Gardeners and early commuters should plan for a couple of freezing mornings before a late-week thaw.

The snapshot: chilly dawns, comfy afternoons

• Monday (Oct. 27): Mostly sunny, breezy, high 70°F / low 29°F.

• Tuesday: Cooler under bright skies, 52°F / 26°F.

• Wednesday: Sunny and milder, 60°F / 38°F.

• Thursday: Partly sunny, seasonable, 60°F / 35°F.

• Friday: Plenty of sun, 63°F / 41°F.

• Saturday: Warm and pleasant with sun and passing clouds, 72°F / 48°F.

Expect large day–night swings—40°+ in spots—typical of dry October air on the High Plains. The coldest starts arrive Tuesday and, to a lesser degree, Wednesday, when many neighborhoods dip below freezing.

Why temperatures seesaw this week

Two ingredients drive the roller coaster. First, very dry air overhead allows heat to escape quickly at night, sending lows into the 20s and 30s despite mild afternoons. Second, a quick-hitting cool push sweeps through Tuesday, trimming daylight highs by nearly 20 degrees compared to Monday. By midweek, downslope breezes and stronger late-October sun rebuild warmth, paving the way for a late-week rebound.

Impacts around town: what Denverites should plan for

Morning freeze concerns:

• Sprinklers & hoses: Shut off and drain exposed lines; a predawn freeze can split plastic fittings and stress backflow devices.

• Tender plants: Cover or bring them in Monday night and Tuesday night.

• Windshield time: Scrape-and-go mornings are likely in colder pockets along the South Platte and outlying suburbs.

Afternoon comfort:

• Layers are your friend: lightweight jacket at sunrise, shirt-sleeves by 2 p.m. most days.

• Breezes pick up Monday; secure lightweight patio items and Halloween decorations.

Health & home tips:

• Dry air plus overnight cold favors static shocks and dry skin—humidify indoors if needed.

• Furnaces will cycle in the morning, then rest in the afternoon; change filters to avoid musty first-fire odors.

Outdoor & travel notes

• Trails & foothills: Fast temperature drops after sunset; pack a warm layer even on warm afternoons.

• Roads: No winter travel impacts expected in the metro through Saturday based on the current outlook, but pre-dawn frost can make bridges slick in the chilliest spots.

• Pets: Water bowls can freeze Tuesday morning; check before leaving for work.

Looking ahead: who benefits from the warm finish?

If you’ve got a weekend move, fall cleanup, or late-season paint job, Friday–Saturday look ideal—dry air, light winds, and highs in the 60s to low 70s. Runners and cyclists will find Wednesday and Friday particularly comfortable, with cool starts and mild finishes.

What could change

Small shifts in the Tuesday cool shot could nudge lows a few degrees either way—enough to decide whether your block sees a hard freeze or just a light frost. Likewise, clouds creeping in late week would trim the warmest afternoon readings, but the broader theme—cool midweek, warmer weekend—remains solid.

• Today: Mild and breezy; coat at sunrise, sunglasses by lunch.

• Tuesday: A crisp, bright snap—freeze likely in colder neighborhoods.

• Rest of week: Sunny, gradually warmer; picture-perfect by Saturday.

Plan the heavy coats for early mornings, the light layers for afternoons, and the yard chores for the back half of the week. Denver’s fall is on full display—swift, sunny, and a little bit of everything.