Climate and monthly weather forecast
New Mexico, USA

New Mexico mainly has a semi-arid to arid climate (Köppen climate classification BS/BW) with small areas of continental (Köppen Dfb) and alpine (Köppen Dfc) types. It lies in the Southwestern part of the United States of America. Oklahoma in the northeast, Texas in the east and southeast, Mexican states of Chihuahua and Sonora in the south, Arizona in the west, Utah in the northwest, and Colorado in the north, share borders with the state. The climate is arid in the west and south, while northern and eastern parts of New Mexico have alpine climates at high altitudes.

New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, has an average elevation of 1741 meters above sea level. Wheeler's Peak has the highest elevation of 4013 meters in the state, while Red Bluff Reservoir is at the lowest elevation of 868 meters. The topography consists of vast deserts, high plateaus of rosy mesas, canyons, valleys, forests, and snow-capped peaks. The north has pastures and dense mountain wilderness, along with a section of the southernmost part of the Rocky Mountains. Mountain ranges and highlands, oriented north-south, divide the state longitudinally into three major areas. New Mexico is one of the Mountain States that forms the Four Corners region with Colorado, Utah, and Arizona.

The best time to visit New Mexico is in the fall season from September to November when the temperatures are in the comfortable 65°F (18.3°C) to 85°F (29.4°C) range. The heat is bearable during the day, while the nights have pleasant weather. Low humidity and dry weather ensure that fall nights are great for stargazing. Spring has similar temperatures, but fall is less susceptible to storms and has many festivals. Summer is hot in New Mexico with intense sunshine, and temperatures often cross 100°F (37.8°C). Additionally, June to August is the peak tourist season with costly flights and accommodations.

The worst time to visit New Mexico is during the winter from December to February when the temperatures drop below freezing in many places. Snowfall is heavy at high altitudes, but even at low-lying plateaus, frost comes in to play. Winter days need sunscreen in many areas of New Mexico. Temperature varies vastly between day and night and drops rapidly after sunset. Mountain slopes often witness snowstorms in the winter. Skiing enthusiasts find excellent conditions for the sport in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Spring in New Mexico witnesses temperatures reminiscent of the fall season, albeit with the potential for more storms. Warm temperatures during the day contrast with comfortable conditions at night. It's during this season that the state begins to transition from the cooler winter temperatures, preparing itself for the impending heat of the summer months. This period often attracts tourists, though it's crucial to be prepared for occasional rainfall.

Summer engulfs New Mexico in intense heat, predominantly in areas below 1500 meters where daytime temperatures frequently surpass 100°F (37.8°C). Although July's average peak stands at 97°F (36.1°C), nights bring relief with rapid cooling and diminished humidity. It's also during these months that New Mexico receives the majority of its annual rainfall, averaging 14" (356mm), with certain higher altitude areas registering above 20" (508mm).

Autumn offers a harmonious blend of agreeable temperatures, ranging from 65°F (18.3°C) to 85°F (29.4°C). The state's unique topography and elevation differences contribute to a range of experiences during this season. While some areas, especially those in southern parts, bask in warmth, the higher regions start bracing for the approaching winter with a gentle drop in temperatures. The dry and low humidity environment ensures crystal-clear nights, ideal for stargazing.

Winter in New Mexico is defined by its sharp contrasts. Days remain sunny and warm, but as the sun sets, temperatures swiftly decline, often dropping below freezing. Areas, especially in Northern and Central New Mexico, register snowfall ranging from 20" (508mm) to 40" (1016mm). Contrastingly, the southern region remains relatively warmer, with snowfall rarely surpassing 5" (127mm). Despite the chill, the sun's rays remain intense, making sunscreen a winter essential.

January positions itself as one of the coldest months in New Mexico. The state, owing to its varied topography, experiences significant weather differences in its various regions during this month. In low-altitude regions, daytime temperatures can be relatively moderate, but nighttime temperatures often dip below freezing. Weather in January »

February in New Mexico is characterized by a continuation of the winter season, with temperatures somewhat resembling those of January. However, as the month progresses, there's a gradual transition as temperatures inch upwards, signifying the slow approach of spring. The diversity in New Mexico's terrain yields varied weather experiences across the state during February. Weather in February »

March in New Mexico signals a shift towards spring, bringing with it a noticeable change in weather conditions. As winter loosens its grip, the state experiences a rise in temperatures, setting the stage for the impending warmer months. Due to New Mexico's vast geographical differences, there remains a variance in how regions respond to March's arrival. Weather in March »

April in New Mexico ushers in the true essence of spring. As the month progresses, the state witnesses a further increase in temperatures, complemented by an awakening of nature's vibrancy and colors. Distinctive weather patterns across New Mexico's varied topography persist in April. Weather in April »

May in New Mexico serves as a precursor to the forthcoming summer, offering a blend of pleasantly warm days and mild nights. The state's renowned clear skies and abundant sunlight become even more prominent, making outdoor activities particularly inviting. New Mexico's diverse terrain continues to influence its weather patterns in May. Weather in May »

June in New Mexico heralds the onset of summer, characterized by a noticeable rise in temperatures, clear blue skies, and longer daylight hours. As the month unfolds, the state transitions fully into its warmer phase, with the vast desert landscapes and high plateaus basking in the intense sunshine. Across the state's varied terrains, the impact of June's warmth is palpable. Weather in June »

July in New Mexico stands out as the zenith of the summer season, often showcasing the state's hottest temperatures of the year. The intense sunshine, combined with expansive blue skies, defines the month's weather, reflecting the state's semi-arid to arid climate. The heat's intensity varies across New Mexico's diverse landscapes. Weather in July »

August in New Mexico is a continuation of the summer season, but it also brings subtle indications of the forthcoming transition to fall. The month persists with its hot temperatures, but there's a gradual easing as the days start to shorten and nights grow cooler. The diversity of New Mexico's terrains continues to play a role in the month's weather nuances. Weather in August »

September in New Mexico marks the transition from the sweltering days of summer to the milder and inviting aura of fall. The month is known for its agreeable weather, characterized by a balance of warmth during the day and cooler, comfortable nights, making it a favorite time for many to visit the state. As always, the diverse terrains of New Mexico play a pivotal role in shaping its climate. Weather in September »

October in New Mexico embraces the heart of the autumn season, characterized by an array of changing colors, crisp air, and decreasing temperatures. The landscape begins its transformation, with trees shedding leaves and offering a tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, setting a picturesque scene across the state. The diverse elevations in New Mexico continue to influence its climatic variations. Weather in October »

November in New Mexico is emblematic of the late autumn season, marked by a further descent in temperatures and a preparatory phase for winter. As the month advances, there's a palpable shift in the air - from the crispness of early fall to the colder undertones of the imminent winter. New Mexico's varied topography, as always, contributes distinctively to its climatic experiences. Weather in November »

December signifies the official onset of winter in New Mexico. The month ushers in colder days and nights, with the landscape increasingly blanketed in snow, particularly in the northern and central regions. The transition is evident as the vibrant colors of fall recede, giving way to the pristine whites and icy blues of winter. The state's diverse landscapes, ranging from southern deserts to northern mountainous terrains, experience varying levels of December's chill. Weather in December »