Cheapest Time to Fly to Denver in 2024/2025

Finding the cheapest time to fly to Denver can significantly impact your travel budget, whether you’re planning a business trip or a vacation to explore the Mile High City’s vibrant culture and stunning natural surroundings. Several factors influence flight prices, including seasonal demand, booking timing, and airline competition.

By understanding these dynamics and knowing when to search for deals, you can secure the best fares and make the most of your trip. This article will guide you through the key considerations and tips for identifying the cheapest times to book flights to Denver.

The Cheapest Time of Year to Book Flights to Denver in 2024

The cheapest time to fly to Denver is typically in January. This is because it’s the coldest month in Denver, with average highs in the 40s Fahrenheit (4-5 °C) and lows in the teens (around -8 °C). There’s also a chance of snow. However, if you’re looking for good weather, you might consider other shoulder seasons like April, September, and October. While flight prices won’t be quite as cheap as January, they’ll still be lower than peak travel months, and you’ll avoid the summer crowds.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the cheapest months to fly to Denver based on historical data:

• January: Average flight price $173 (round trip)
• April: Expect to pay around 20% more than January
• September: Expect to pay around 20% more than January
• October: Expect to pay around 20% more than January

Cheapest Airlines that Fly to Denver with Average Prices

Here are 8 of the cheapest airlines that fly into Denver International Airport (DEN), along with their average round-trip ticket prices:

• Frontier Airlines ($150-$200): Frontier is a popular budget airline that offers flights to many destinations in the United States, including Denver. It is known for its low fares, but be aware that it may charge extra fees for things like checked bags and seat selection.
• Spirit Airlines ($180-$250): Another budget airline, Spirit Airlines, is known for its bare-bones fares. However, like Frontier, it may charge extra fees for seat selection, carry-on luggage, and even printing your boarding pass at the airport.
• Southwest Airlines ($200-$275): Southwest Airlines is a major airline that offers a good balance of affordability and service. It is known for its two free checked bags and free in-flight drinks.
• United Airlines ($250-$350): United Airlines is a major airline that offers a variety of routes and amenities. However, its fares tend to be higher than those of some of the budget airlines on this list.
• American Airlines ($250-$350): Similar to United Airlines, American Airlines is another major carrier that offers a variety of routes and amenities. Its fares are also generally higher than those of budget airlines.
• Delta Air Lines ($275-$400): Delta Air Lines is another major airline that offers a variety of routes and amenities. Their fares are typically the highest on this list.
• JetBlue Airways ($275-$400): JetBlue Airways is a major airline that offers a variety of routes and amenities. It is known especially for its comfortable legroom. Its fares are generally on the higher end.
• Alaska Air ($300-$450): Alaska Air is a major airline that offers a variety of routes and amenities, focusing on the West Coast. Its fares are typically on the higher end.

Pros & Cons of Flying Denver During the Cheapest Time

Pros

• Save Money: The biggest advantage is significant savings on airfare. Flights in January can be up to 25% cheaper than peak season. This frees up your budget for other parts of your trip, like accommodation, activities, or food.
• Fewer Crowds: Denver is a popular tourist destination, especially during summer. Flying in January means encountering smaller crowds at attractions and potentially lower prices for hotels (outside of major holidays like New Year’s).
• Unique Winter Activities: Denver offers some unique winter experiences you might not find elsewhere. You could go skiing or snowboarding in the nearby Rocky Mountains, try ice skating in one of the city’s parks, or attend a winter festival.

Cons

• Cold Weather: January is Denver’s coldest month, with average highs in the 40s Fahrenheit (4-5 °C) and lows in the teens (around -8 °C). Be prepared for snow and pack plenty of warm clothes.
• Limited Outdoor Activities: Some outdoor activities might be limited or unavailable due to snow and ice. Hiking trails may be closed, and some scenic spots may be less accessible.
• Potential for Flight Delays: Winter weather can lead to flight delays and cancellations. Be sure to factor this in when planning your trip and consider travel insurance.

In addition to these, consider your own preferences:

• Do you mind the cold? If you’re not a fan of winter weather, January might not be the best time to visit Denver.
• What activities are you interested in? If your trip revolves around outdoor activities, January might be limiting.
• Are you flexible with your travel dates? If you can travel during shoulder seasons (April, September, October), you might get a better balance of price and weather.

Additional Tips for Finding the Cheapest Flight to Denver in 2024

• Be a flight incognito master: Airlines and travel websites use cookies to track your searches and potentially inflate prices after you’ve shown interest in a specific route or date. Open your browser in incognito or private browsing mode to avoid this.
• Consider alternative airports: Denver International Airport (DEN) is the main hub, but smaller airports might be near your destination or origin city and offer cheaper fares, especially on-budget airlines. When comparing prices, factor in the cost of transportation to/from the airport.
• Search for “error fares”: Occasionally, airlines publish fares with mistakes that lead to incredibly low prices. Sites like Secret Flying or The Flight Deal scour the web for these deals, but they typically disappear quickly, so act fast if you find one.
• Hack layovers: Some airlines offer cheaper fares with longer layovers. If you have the time and can pack some entertainment, this can be a good way to save money. Just be sure you factor in the total travel time when comparing prices.
• Consider flying on weekdays and red-eyes: Flights are generally cheaper on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays compared to weekends. Red-eye flights (departing late at night) can also be significantly cheaper.
• Use a credit card with travel rewards: Many credit cards offer points or miles for travel purchases. Consider using a card with a travel rewards program to accumulate points towards your Denver trip or future travels.
• Be patient and persistent: Flight prices fluctuate constantly. Use price alerts from flight-searching tools like Google Flights or Kayak to track prices and snag a deal when they drop.