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DENVER (KDVR) — October has arrived and it is usually the month Denver receives its first snowfall of the season.

When will the first snow arrive this year? It’s hard to know for sure, but a look back at Denver’s snow history and you’ll see that the first snow could be here in two weeks.

Last winter, Denver received 80.2 inches of snow, which is the most snow Denver has seen in a season in ten years.

What was the biggest factor in last season’s snow totals? Well, 27 inches of snow fell in one blizzard in March of 2021.

October snow in Denver

It is pretty normal to see snow in October in Denver. However, it’s been awhile since the city saw a big snowstorm in October. The three biggest snowstorms ever recorded in Denver history in October are:

  • October 3-5, 1969: 16 inches
  • October 24-25, 1997: 21.9 inches
  • October 20-23, 1906: 22.7 inches

Snow History

  • The earliest date of the first snow: September 3, 1961
  • The latest date of the first snow: November 21, 1934
  • The average date of the first snow: October 18

Snow over the last 10 years

Here’s a look at the list of the first snowfalls during the last 10 years from the National Weather Service:

  • Sept. 8, 2020
  • October 10, 2019
  • October 6, 2018
  • October 9, 2017
  • November 17, 2016
  • November 5, 2015
  • November 11, 2014
  • October 18, 2013
  • October 5, 2012
  • October 25, 2011
  • November 15, 2010

Average snowfall

How much snow can Denver expect this year? It’s too early to guess. The average total snowfall is 56.4 inches.

The lowest snowfall season total over the last 10 years: 21.8 inches in 2016-2017

The greatest snowfall season total over the last 10 years: 80.2 inches in 2020-2021. The March 2021 blizzard delivered 27 inches of snow to Denver.

Here’s a look at the snowfall season totals for the last 10 years, according to the National Weather Service:

  • 2020-2021: 80.2 inches
  • 2019-2020: 57.6 inches
  • 2018-2019 48.1 inches
  • 2017-2018 25.7 inches
  • 2016-2017 21.8 inches
  • 2015-2016 72.8 inches
  • 2014-2015 57.8 inches
  • 2013-2014 38.4 inches
  • 2012-2013 78.4 inches
  • 2011-2012 55.6 inches
  • 2010-2011 22.8 inches