Front Range winter vs NYC winter? (Denver: apartment, to buy, live)

[VintageSunlight]

Starting in January, I will be doing a work assignment for 3 months in Colorado, mostly near Denver but could be all over the Front Range. All outdoors and I'm looking forward to it. I have winter work clothes from NYC that keep me warm enough in a typical NY winter. As I've probably spent close to 2k on winter work clothing recently, I don't want to buy more if I don't need to.

How cold are Denver winters compared to NYC winters? To me, this place is brutally cold in winter. Dark, dank and frigid. I have 5 days a week wool base layers, flannel lined jeans, and LL Bean parkas. Also shearling lined boots. Is there anything additional that I'd need?

[Josseppie]

With the humidity NYC is colder.

[Phil P]

I'd say that Denver a bigger chance for subzero awful cold (like -14F) while NYC has a bigger chance for 20-30 damp heavy cold.

[SkyDog77]

Nope. You're good from a temp standpoint. Just make sure to upgrade your sunglasses.

You'll look like an outsider without ample Patagonia gear though.

Denver's version of Prada is expensive mountain tech gear worn for decidedly non tech applications.

[Katarina Witt]

You will not need any warmer clothes than you have now. You will also encounter weeks of warm (50s-60s), sunny weather, usually even in January. Be prepared for snow at odd moments, especially in March. There are lots of weather websites available to check statistics, but Denver is different IRL than it is on paper.

[ProtoStrata]

Front Range weather is generally much drier and sunnier than NYC, but also rather unpredictable. Snow is possible from late September to early May (though most years see no snow in Sep or May) and is heaviest in March. Normal winter days are fairly mild and sunny, so snow rarely stays on the ground more than a few days.

For January to April, be prepared for both single digit/subzero lows and winter storms, as well as a milder days in the 50s and 60s. Winter nights are usually frigid, even after a warm day. A typical winter day, though, will be sunny and in the 40s.

[mic111]

Your clothes and likely your boots are fine. NYC winters are probably worse. However you should add chapstick, sunblock, lotion, a humidifier (to run at your apartment, especially while sleeping), sunglasses and hat with a brim to shield your face from the sun. Be sure to bring a lighter weight jacket. Layering is key as we often have some very warm weather in Jan. and Feb.

[SkyDog77]

Originally Posted by mic111

Your clothes and likely your boots are fine. NYC winters are probably worse. However you should add chapstick, sunblock, lotion, a humidifier (to run at your apartment, especially while sleeping), sunglasses and hat with a brim to shield your face from the sun. Be sure to bring a lighter weight jacket. Layering is key as we often have some very warm weather in Jan. and Feb.

The layering piece is key. We get a much wider temperature variance between day and night than you will be used to. The sun makes it feel much warmer during the day, then temps drop at night.

[10-23]

I've lived in both places and IMO, NYC winters were far harsher. When the sun is out in Colorado, even if the air temperature is cold, you feel warm. I'd often shovel with just a sweatshirt.

Layering is a good suggestion, but you have more than enough gear to stay warm.

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by 10-23

I'd often shovel with just a sweatshirt.

I have shoveled my sidewalk in Denver wearing: shorts, T-shirt, and Crocs (no socks).
Having lived 30 years in New England, I laugh at Denver winters.