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 »