Climate and monthly weather forecast
Ruidoso, NM

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The climate of Ruidoso

Ruidoso, New Mexico, falls under the Köppen climate classification Csb, signifying a Mediterranean climate with warm summers. Positioned on a mountainous region at a considerable altitude, Ruidoso's climate displays distinct seasonality.

Throughout the year, the temperatures in Ruidoso exhibit a broad range. The shifting seasons feature maximums around 81.3°F (27.4°C) in the summer months, while winter nights can cool down to an average low of 27.3°F (-2.6°C). As a matter of course, temperatures rise and fall with each passing season, marking the cyclical rhythm of this earthly weather device.

Humidity floats gently over the landscape, with an annual relative humidity spanning between 30% in springs and up to 56% during the transitional weeks between seasons. Rainfall showers bless the land from April through October, with the most abundant downpours occurring in July and August, both months averaging more than 4" (102mm) - a merry spectacle to accompany the warmer temperatures. Days with rainfall are most frequent in July and August as well, exceeding 20 days each month.

The occasional treasure of Ruidoso's climate, further estranging it from a typical Mediterranean weather pattern, is its seasonal snowfall. The appearance of snow starts in December, peaking at 3.62" (92mm) in the last month of the year. Sunshine provides warmth and Vitamin D to the local fauna and flora about 24 days a month, with an average of 10 hours of daylight.

The best time to visit Ruidoso

Hands down, April through June offers an enticing balance of warm yet not scorching temperatures, typically ranging between 58.3°F (14.6°C) and 81.3°F (27.4°C). During these months, the rain showers are moderate, less than 1 inch, providing the perfect environment for a comfortable vacation. Moreover, these months witness extended daylight hours, stretching over 12 to 14.3 hours.

The worst time to visit Ruidoso

July and August, the months of heighted summer heat, boast temperatures peaking up to 81.3°F (27.4°C). Coupled with the highest recorded rainfall of the entire year exceeding 4" (102mm), these summer months may prove to be a more challenging time for a comfortable escape to Ruidoso, particularly for those not fond of higher humidity levels.

Spring weather in Ruidoso

Spring in Ruidoso blooms under a warm, welcoming sun that casts its rays around 11 to 12 hours per day. The temperature pattern offers a gradual climb from a daytime high of 45.5°F (7.5°C) in February to a pleasant 64.6°F (18.1°C) by April end. Rain showers increase slightly, from 0.28" (7mm) in February to a marginally higher 0.67" (17mm) in April.

Summer weather in Ruidoso

Summers in Ruidoso unfurl under the warm watch of the peaks of temperatures patrolling between 71.2°F (21.8°C) in May and the lofty heights of 81.3 by June. However, the abundance of rain showers in July and August, measuring over 4" (102mm), provide a welcome antidote to the rising summer mercury.

Autumn weather in Ruidoso

Autumn throws open its doors with temperatures descending from 73°F (22.8°C) in September to a curtained 54.3°F (12.4°C) by the arrival of November. The rain dances more frequently in September with 2.48" (63mm) falling across 15.6 days but quickly retreats to 0.35" (9mm) spread over just 2.5 days by November end.

Winter weather in Ruidoso

Winter in Ruidoso steps in with the lowest temperatures of the year, an evening low of 28°F (-2.2°C) in December dropping marginally to 27.3°F (-2.6°C) in January. Snowflakes dance their way into the town starting December, casting a pristine white blanket. Yet, the winter sun emboldens itself, offering up to 10 hours of daylight evenly distributed over each month, and the temperature follows suit, gradually climbing to reach a high of 49.6°F (9.8°C) by February end.

Weather in January

A perceptible chill permeates the weather in Ruidoso, New Mexico, marking the arrival of winter. January is one of the colder months, with the mercury dipping to 27.3°F (-2.6°C) at night, and climbing up to a maximum of 45.5°F (7.5°C) during the day. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February is characterized by a slight increase in temperature. The difference in the weather can be observed when comparing the maximum temperatures and snowfall of January and February. Variations in humidity and rainfall remain minimal, indicating a fairly stable atmospheric condition between these months. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March offers a perceptible change from winter to spring, with temperatures gradually increasing. When comparing the overall weather pattern, there are reduced instances of snowfall, fewer daylight hours, and a notable increase in temperature that goes up to an average of 58.3°F (14.6°C). Weather in March »

Weather in April

April brings warmer weather to Ruidoso, with an appreciable increase in daily temperatures. When comparing with March, the sunshine duration, daylight hours, and temperature show positive increments, indicating the progression towards summer. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May ushers in a warmer climate with increased daylight hours and temperatures peaking at 71.2°F (21.8°C). The longer daylight hours, compared to the preceding months, allow for extended exploration and participation in Ruidoso's outdoor activities. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June is marked by the highest temperature of the year, with the mercury peaking at 81.3°F (27.4°C), and a dramatic surge in rainfall, reaching 1.81" (46mm). When comparing with May, it is visible that the increase in the intensity of sunlight and consequent evaporation cycle contributes to this sudden surge in rainfall. Weather in June »

Weather in July

Ruidoso's weather in July continues to scale up in warmth, registering temperatures that can reach 79.5°F (26.4°C). July also witnesses the maximum rainfall received in the year, recording a significant 4.41" (112mm) of precipitation. Weather in July »

Weather in August

The weather in August is a continuation of the warm summer months. The temperature reaches 78.6°F (25.9°C), indicating only a marginal reduction from July. However, the weather retains the pattern of high rainfall with 4.53" (115mm), slightly higher than July’s precipitation levels. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September brings about a transition from warm summer months to the cooler autumn season in Ruidoso. Temperatures start their descent, averaging a maximum of 73°F (22.8°C), a noticeable reduction from the warm 79.5°F (26.4°C) of July. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October sees a marked change in Ruidoso's weather, featuring noticeably cooler temperatures and decreased rainfall. The temperature sees a drop to 64°F (17.8°C), showcasing a significant decline from September's moderate 73°F (22.8°C). Weather in October »

Weather in November

Ruidoso's weather in November fully embraces the autumn season. The maximal temperature declines further to 54.3°F (12.4°C) compared to October's 64°F (17.8°C). The humidity rises again, reaching 48% as rainfall continues to decrease, measuring at a mere 0.35" (9mm). Weather in November »

Weather in December

December brings back the cooler winter conditions to Ruidoso, with a maximal temperature reaching just 45.1°F (7.3°C). The drop in temperatures compared to November causing the first light snowfall, with a total of 3.62" (92mm) across the month. Weather in December »
Updated: Jul 20, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the driest month?

January is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 2.8 days and accumulates 0.28" (7mm) of precipitation.

How many days does it rain?

Throughout the year, there are 105.3 rainfall days, and 18.5" (470mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow?

Months with snowfall in Ruidoso are January through May, October through December.

How much does it snow?

Throughout the year, there are 19.1 snowfall days, and 11.26" (286mm) of snow is accumulated.

When is the lowest UV index in Ruidoso?

The months with the lowest UV index are January, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Ruidoso, 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?

The least humid month is April, with an average relative humidity of 30%.

What part of the year is the hottest?

With average temperatures fluctuating between a high of 81.3°F (27.4°C) and a low of 58.6°F (14.8°C), June stands out as the warmest month.

When it does not snow?

June through September are months without snowfall in Ruidoso.

When are the longest days in Ruidoso?

With an average of 14h and 18min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.

What month has the most sunshine?

With an average of 12h of sunshine, June has the most sunshine of the year.

What is the month with the highest UV index?

June is the month with the highest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 6.

What is the wettest month?

The month with the most rainfall is August, when the rain falls for 21.7 days and typically aggregates up to 4.53" (115mm) of precipitation.

What is the most humid month?

September and December, with an average relative humidity of 56%, are most humid months.

What is the coldest time of year in Ruidoso?

The coldest period tends to be December, when average temperatures fluctuate between a high of 45.1°F (7.3°C) and a low of 28°F (-2.2°C).

What is the snowiest month?

December is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 5.2 days and accumulates 3.62" (92mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 10h and 0min of daylight.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

With an average of 7h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year.

Average temperature
Ruidoso, NM

Average temperature - Ruidoso, NM

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is June (81.3°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (45.1°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (60.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (27.3°F).

Average pressure
Ruidoso, NM

Average pressure - Ruidoso, NM

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.12"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.85"Hg).

Average wind speed
Ruidoso, NM

Average wind speed - Ruidoso, NM

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (11.6mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.5mph).

Average humidity
Ruidoso, NM

Average humidity - Ruidoso, NM

The months with the highest relative humidity are September and December (56%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is April (30%).

Average rainfall
Ruidoso, NM

Average rainfall - Ruidoso, NM

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (4.53").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.28").

Average rainfall days
Ruidoso, NM

Average rainfall days - Ruidoso, NM

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (21.7 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (2.4 days).

Average snowfall
Ruidoso, NM

Average snowfall - Ruidoso, NM

The month with the highest snowfall is December (3.62").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Ruidoso, NM

Average snowfall days - Ruidoso, NM

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (5.2 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Ruidoso, NM

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Ruidoso, NM

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 18min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 10h and 0min).

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

Average sunshine days
Ruidoso, NM

Average sunshine days - Ruidoso, NM

The month with the most sunshine days is November (25.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (6.2 days).

Average visibility
Ruidoso, NM

Average visibility - Ruidoso, 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).

Ruidoso, New Mexico, USA

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