Climate and monthly weather forecast
Las Cruces, NM

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The lovely hilly countryside in Las Cruces, New Mexico
The lovely hilly countryside in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The climate of Las Cruces

Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA, falls under the BWk category in the Köppen climate classification symbolizing a mid-latitude desert. Because of its geographical positioning, this city is subject to intense heat and scarce precipitation. Climate in Las Cruces unfolds over a varied spectrum ranging from high temperatures to sparse rainfall and sporadic snowfall.

Yearly fluctuations in temperature play out from 36.1°F (2.3°C) to 93.9°F (34.4°C), with substantial differences between the peak of summer and the depths of winter. Humidity levels oscillate with a yearly average between 22% and 50%. Rainfall remains sparse throughout most months, with the highest averages from 2.28" (58mm) in July to a minimal 0.12" (3mm) in April. A remarkable trait of Las Cruces’s weather is the infrequent nature of snowfall, with only a handful of days in January and November showcasing any snowfall at all.

Wind speeds in Las Cruces shape a pattern that sways from 6mph (9.7km/h) to a high of 10.6mph (17.1km/h). The visibility remains quite steady throughout the year, lingering dominantly at 6 miles. Daylight and sunshine hours stretch across an expansive timeline, with the longest daylight span being marked by 14.3 hours in June, while December witnesses the shortest daylight span of 10.1 hours. The city brims with sunshine hours reaching up to 12 hours in June and dipping to a low of 7.1 hours in December. Overall, the city exemplifies a variety of weather dynamics that interplay to shape its climate.

The best time to visit Las Cruces

Visitors planning a trip to Las Cruces should prioritize the pleasant temperatures and lower rainfall which can be enjoyed between March to May. During these months, daytime temperatures average between 69.1°F (20.6°C) to 76.3°F (24.6°C) accompanied by relatively low rainfall. As the humidity ranges from 22% to 28%, the weather is comfortable, making these months ideal for outdoor activities.

The worst time to visit Las Cruces

Travelers might wish to reconsider planning a visit from June to August. As these months coincide with the height of summer in Las Cruces, temperatures can reach as high as 93.9°F (34.4°C). July, in particular, is marked not only by high temperature but also heightened levels of rainfall, making it the wettest month of the year with an average precipitation of 2.28" (58mm).

Spring weather in Las Cruces

Spring in Las Cruces offers a respite from the calorific tones of the city. Ranging between a cozy 46.9°F (8.3°C) in the chilly mornings of March to a warmer 76.3°F (24.6°C) in May, the temperature during spring embodies comfort. The average rainfall in these months hovers around a mere 0.27" (7mm) which, combined with an average humidity ranging from 22% to 28%, creates an agreeable climate.

Summer weather in Las Cruces

A wave of consistent heat encompasses Las Cruces during the summer. With temperatures ranging from 59.4°F (15.2°C) to 93.9°F (34.4°C), one can expect sultry afternoons and warm evenings. Despite the searing temperatures, Las Cruces experiences its highest rainfall during the summer months, with an overall average of 1.56" (40mm) from June to August.

Autumn weather in Las Cruces

Autumn at Las Cruces comes with a momentous change in weather. From the torrid tones of summer, the temperature cools down significantly, fluctuating between 56.1°F (13.4°C) to 84.4°F (29.1°C) from September to November. Albeit a decline in temperatures, autumn sees a relatively high level of precipitation, averaging 1.06" (27mm), particularly in September and October.

Winter weather in Las Cruces

Winter temperatures in Las Cruces, falling between 36.1°F (2.3°C) to 53.6°F (12°C) provide a cool contrast to the regular heat of this city. While the overall precipitation recorded in winter months is relatively low, traces of snowfall can be witnessed in December with an average of 0.67" (17mm). During these months, the region experiences the shortest days of the year, with daylight ranging from 10.1 hours to 11.1 hours, and sunshine hours from 7.1 hours to 7.3 hours. It is the coldest time of the year and presents an entirely different view of the city's climate.

Weather in January

January in Las Cruces, New Mexico, often brings brisk temperatures but with a reasonable range. The temperature can shift from a low of 36.1°F (2.3°C) to a high average of 53.6°F (12°C), providing a comfortable span for outdoor activities. Weather in January »

Weather in February

With the arrival of February, Las Cruces begins to witness a slight surge in temperatures. This sees the previous month's lower temperatures pushed aside, giving way to higher averages spanning from 39.9°F (4.4°C) to 60.1°F (15.6°C). Weather in February »

Weather in March

As Las Cruces transitions from winter to spring in March, the weather follows suit. Temperatures steadily rise, movement from the frosty 46.9°F (8.3°C) to the significantly warmer 69.1°F (20.6°C) signals this change. While there is an increase in rainfall, it’s parallel to the preceding month’s average, keeping the region's climate predominantly dry. Weather in March »

Weather in April

In April, Las Cruces experiences a leap in temperatures, indicating the onset of a warmer season. The range for this month dances between 52.7°F (11.5°C) and an encouraging 76.3°F (24.6°C). This rise is not accompanied by a hike in rainfall, and in fact, precipitation slightly drops, contributing to the continuation of a dry climate. Weather in April »

Weather in May

Warm weather takes full command in May in Las Cruces. The city finds itself under the influence of temperature values from 59.4°F (15.2°C) on the lower end to as high as 83.5°F (28.6°C). While there is an uptick in the amount of rainfall, it is insufficient to alter the predominantly dry climate of the region. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June arrives with increased temperatures, marking the start of radiant summer days in Las Cruces. This month shows a distinct increase in rainfall, the most considerable leap to 0.59" (15mm), matching the appropriate weather for this season. Weather in June »

Weather in July

By July, Las Cruces is fully engrossed in the summer season. This month maintains the warmth with a high average temperature of 92.3°F (33.5°C), a slight drop from the previous month. Though, a significant change is observed in the rainfall - this month sees the highest rainfall of 2.28" (58mm) in the year. Weather in July »

Weather in August

The weather in August begins to show indications of a transitioning climate in Las Cruces but the high temperatures around 90.5°F (32.5°C) continue to dominate. This month sustains the enhanced rainfall trend from July, making it a moist stretch in the desert’s calendar. Weather in August »

Weather in September

In September, Las Cruces sees a distinct trend towards cooler weather. The scorching summer heat begins to wane, painting the town with a comfortable temperature range toppling at 84.4°F (29.1°C). The frequency and intensity of rain also start to decrease, marking the end of the summer monsoon. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October brings a significant dip in temperatures in Las Cruces, symbolising the arrival of fall. This month sees temperatures falling between a cozy 56.1°F (13.4°C) and a mild 74.8°F (23.8°C). Accompanied by a decreased frequency of rain, this month offers clear, beautiful skies and the classic autumn chill in the air. Weather in October »

Weather in November

The month of November underscores the commencement of the cooler season in Las Cruces. The shift is obvious as temperatures gently land amidst 44.4°F (6.9°C) and 63.3°F (17.4°C). The environment gets drier, with the rainfall levels tapering off significantly. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Las Cruces marks the peak of the winter season. Cooler temperatures dominate the weather, seamlessly blending from 37.4°F (3°C) to a milder 53.8°F (12.1°C). This period is noted for the least amount of rainfall and the advent of minimal snowfall. Weather in December »
Updated: Jun 25, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest month?

Las Cruces experiences its average lowest temperatures in January, reaching a peak of 53.6°F (12°C) and a minimum of 36.1°F (2.3°C).

How many days does it rain?

Throughout the year, there are 84.4 rainfall days, and 9.72" (247mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow?

Months with snowfall are January, February, November and December.

How many days does it snow?

In Las Cruces, during the entire year, snow falls for 2.8 days and aggregates up to 1.5" (38mm) of snow.

What are the months with the lowest UV index?

January, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 3, are months with the lowest UV index.

When it does not snow?

In Las Cruces, snow does not fall in March through October.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from MST to MDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from MDT to MST.

What is the least humid month?

April and May, with an average relative humidity of 22%, are the least humid months.

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall is April, when the rain falls for 3.1 days and typically collects 0.12" (3mm) of precipitation.

When is the highest UV index?

The months with the highest UV index are May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 7.

What part of the year is the hottest?

June, noted for its average high-temperature of 93.9°F (34.4°C) and an average low-temperature of 70.9°F (21.6°C), is considered the warmest month.

When are the longest days?

June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 14h and 12min of daylight.

What month has the most sunshine?

The month with the most sunshine is June, with an average of 12h of sunshine.

What is the wettest month?

The month with the most rainfall is July, when the rain falls for 16.5 days and typically aggregates up to 2.28" (58mm) of precipitation.

What is the most humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 50%, December is the most humid month.

When does it snow the most?

The month with the most snowfall is December, when snow falls for 1.1 days and typically aggregates up to 0.67" (17mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 10h and 6min of daylight.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

The month with the least sunshine is December, with an average of 7.1h of sunshine.

Average temperature
Las Cruces, NM

Average temperature - Las Cruces, NM

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is June (93.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (53.6°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (73.8°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (36.1°F).

Average pressure
Las Cruces, NM

Average pressure - Las Cruces, NM

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.11"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.83"Hg).

Average wind speed
Las Cruces, NM

Average wind speed - Las Cruces, NM

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (10.6mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is January (6mph).

Average humidity
Las Cruces, NM

Average humidity - Las Cruces, NM

The month with the highest relative humidity is December (50%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are April and May (22%).

Average rainfall
Las Cruces, NM

Average rainfall - Las Cruces, NM

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (2.28").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is April (0.12").

Average rainfall days
Las Cruces, NM

Average rainfall days - Las Cruces, NM

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (16.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is May (2.8 days).

Average snowfall
Las Cruces, NM

Average snowfall - Las Cruces, NM

The month with the highest snowfall is December (0.67").
The months with the least snowfall are March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days
Las Cruces, NM

Average snowfall days - Las Cruces, NM

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (1.1 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Las Cruces, NM

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Las Cruces, NM

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 10h and 6min).

The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 12h and 0min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 7h and 6min).

Average sunshine days
Las Cruces, NM

Average sunshine days - Las Cruces, NM

The months with the most sunshine days are January and April (26.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (10.3 days).

Average UV index
Las Cruces, NM

Average UV index - Las Cruces, NM

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, November and December (UV index 3).

Average visibility
Las Cruces, NM

Average visibility - Las Cruces, NM

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA

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