The climate of Santa Fe
Santa Fe,
New Mexico, is situated in the mid-latitude steppe zone, as classified by the Köppen climate system. Its predominate climate type is BSk, an indicator for regions with warm, dry summers and cold winters. Santa Fe's geographical position in the high desert contributes to significant day-to-night temperature variations, characteristic for semi-arid areas.
Throughout the year, temperatures can range from as low as 21.6°F (-5.8°C) in the winter months to a summer high of 81.5°F (27.5°C). Variations in the humidity are not wildly dramatic but do tend to be lower during the warmer months from 32% to 34%, with the highest levels being observed in the colder seasons from 64% to 67%. Santa Fe sees a relative balancing act between rainfall and snowfall patterns, with the most rain seen in
July at 1.73" (44mm) and the most snow in
December at 5.71" (145mm).
A unique characteristic of Santa Fe's weather is the high range of daylight hours throughout the year, varying from 9.8 hours to 14.5 hours. Transitional seasons such as spring and autumn observe moderate levels of sunlight, whereas the summer and winter months experience the respective maxima and minima. The fluctuations in wind speed remain limited, ranging from 5.8mph (9.3km/h) to 8.9mph (14.3km/h) annually.
The best time to visit Santa Fe
The best time to visit
Santa Fe, weather-wise, is typically during the months of
May and
June. During this period, favorable weather conditions are observed, with average high temperatures from 68.5°F (20.3°C) to 80.4°F (26.9°C). These months also offer a good amount of sunshine, with daylight hours extending from 14.1 to 14.5 hours and a UV index of 5 and 6, respectively, suggesting a wonderful time for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Santa Fe
The coldest months in
Santa Fe are
December and
January. Temperature lows during these months can dip down to 21.6°F (-5.8°C) to 21.9°F (-5.6°C). With the high possibility of snow during these months, and average sunlight hours ranging from 9.8 to 10.1 hours, it might be less appealing for travelers looking for outdoor activities. The highest relative humidity of 67% is also seen in January, adding a bone-chilling dampness to the cold.
Spring weather in Santa Fe
Spring weather in
Santa Fe witnesses a pleasant change. Starting from
March's lowest of 31.5°F (-0.3°C), the temperature rises to a comfortable 59.7°F (15.4°C) in
April and 68.5°F (20.3°C) by
May. Daylight hours also increase during this season from 12 hours in March to 14.1 hours by May. Though the city sees marginal rainfall during this season, from 0.79" (20mm) in March to 0.63" (16mm) in May, the season is rather dry with relative humidity averaging between 34% to 45%.
Summer weather in Santa Fe
Summers in
Santa Fe are warm, with temperatures peaking at 81.5°F (27.5°C) in
July, then slightly dipping to 79.9°F (26.6°C) in
August. Relative humidity reaches its yearly low of 32% in
June, increasing to 45% in August. Rainfall also increases during the summer season, reaching its peak in July with 1.73" (44mm). During these months, long hours of daylight from 14.5 hours in June to 13.5 in August ensure ample sunlight, making it an ideal time for sun-loving tourists.
Autumn weather in Santa Fe
Autumn in
Santa Fe experiences cool temperatures, falling from 74.1°F (23.4°C) in
September to 50.5°F (10.3°C) by
November. The season is relatively dry, with September and
October both seeing about 0.91" (23mm) and 0.83" (21mm) of rain respectively, and November experiencing less rainfall at 0.59" (15mm). Daylight hours also diminish, with November seeing only 10.3 hours compared to the 12.4 hours in September.
Winter weather in Santa Fe
The winter season in
Santa Fe can be quite cold, with temperatures dipping to an average low of 21.9°F (-5.6°C) in
December to 21.6°F (-5.8°C) in
January. Snowfall is common during these months, with December witnessing a high of 5.71" (145mm). Daylight hours are considerably shorter in winter, ranging from 10.1 hours in December to a yearly low of 9.8 hours in January. Despite the cold, the bright winter sunshine can still provide an appealing backdrop for winter activities.
Weather in January
Santa Fe,
New Mexico embraces the new year with quite brisk temperatures and an assurance of winter wonder. The lower temperatures promise the possibility of snowfall with 4.88" (124mm) of snow typically seen over 7.3 days. Comparatively,
January tends to be chillier and snowier than the subsequent month of
February.
Weather in January » Weather in February
While
February continues the winter narrative of
January, it carries subtle indications of the impending spring. Noteworthy is an increase in the maximum temperature to 43.2°F (6.2°C), marginally reducing the winter's sting.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Santa Fe witnesses a pronounced transition in the weather pattern. A significant decline in snow to 2.32" (59mm) over 4.8 days implies the dwindling presence of winter. Subsequently, the rise in temperatures, reduction in relative humidity, and increased daylight hours altogether give credence to the arrival of spring.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Revel in
Santa Fe’s pleasant weather and burgeoning springtime life throughout
April. The warmest maximum temperature so far leaps to 59.7°F (15.4°C), further solidifying the departure of winter. With a considerable reduction in snowfall compared to
March and extended daylight hours, April showcases the charm of Santa Fe's spring at its peak.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May carries the baton of pleasant weather from
April, albeit with distinct characteristics. Now, the temperature extends to an invigorating 68.5°F (20.3°C), marking the shift towards summertime. It becomes cheerier, with longer sunshine hours and clearer skies as the cloud cover decreases further from the April metrics.
Weather in May » Weather in June
As summer fully descends upon
Santa Fe in
June, the city witnesses substantial climatic changes. The rise in temperature is palpable, with the mercury soaring to an average maximum of 80.4°F (26.9°C). Compared with
May, June is hotter, drier, and enjoys extended daylight.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues the summertime saga in
Santa Fe, but with a few remarkable tweaks. The temperature peaks at 81.5°F (27.5°C), making it the hottest month of the year. However, an interesting shift is the resurgence of rainfall, reaching 1.73" (44mm) over 14.3 days, offering respite from the summer heat.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Santa Fe offers a unique canvas of weather scenes. The temperature slightly drops from
July's zenith to a more manageable 79.9°F (26.6°C). The city still faces sporadic rainfall, albeit less than July. Climate-wise, August is a balance between the dwindling summer heat, sporadic showers, and the early whispers of fall.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As the city transitions into autumn,
September brings slight chill to
Santa Fe's air. A steady decrease in temperature to 74.1°F (23.4°C) indicates the onset of fall. Even so, Santa Fe's sunny disposition continues, with significant daylight hours and a UV index of 5.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
With the autumn in full swing,
October embraces
Santa Fe in a captivating shroud. The temperature dips further to a cooler 61.5°F (16.4°C), a striking drop from the
September warmth. The trend of decreasing temperatures continues, hinting at the approaching winter.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November marks a noticeable change in
Santa Fe's weather as it steps into the shoes of winter. The city experiences a crisp cold, with temperatures plunging to an average maximum of 50.5°F (10.3°C). Snowfall makes a comeback with 2.87" (73mm) over 3.6 days, signaling the transition from fall to winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Ending the year on a chilly note,
December in
Santa Fe brings the full force of winter. The temperature further dips to 39.7°F (4.3°C), and a heavier snowfall of 5.71" (145mm) over 7.9 days blankets the city. December is significantly colder and snowier than
November, creating a perfect setting for the holiday season.
Weather in December »