Denver sits at the edge of the Rocky Mountains on the high plains, and averages only around 380 mm (about 15 inches) of precipitation a year, making it a fairly dry city overall. What it lacks in total rainfall it makes up for in dramatic short-term weather: the same mountain-plains boundary that keeps annual totals low also fuels some of the most explosive summer thunderstorm development in the country, with hail being a particularly common and damaging hazard. Storms here can build from clear skies to severe within an hour, often in the late afternoon as heated air rises off the Front Range. Because Denver’s severe weather season is defined by these fast-forming, localized cells rather than long, region-wide rain events, radar tracking is one of the few tools that can give useful lead time before hail or a downburst arrives. The area is covered by the National Weather Service’s Doppler radar network east of the city.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Denver right now?
The map above shows recent radar observations over Denver, Colorado where coverage is available. Use the map legend and timestamp to interpret the imagery. A blank map over Denver can mean no detected precipitation, missing coverage, delayed data, or rain too light for radar to detect.
How often does the Denver rain radar update?
Updates depend on the radar provider and local network. Check the timestamp on the map for the latest available frame, and press play to compare recent observations. Radar imagery can lag conditions on the ground.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Denver?
Press play to compare recent radar frames over Colorado and see the direction of detected rain. This can help you assess approaching showers near Denver, but storms can grow or change direction; check your local weather service for forecasts and warnings.
Is this Denver rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.