Climate and monthly weather forecast
Santa Fe, NM

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Beautiful sunset over the St. Francis of Assisi Basilica in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Beautiful sunset over the St. Francis of Assisi Basilica in Santa Fe, New Mexico

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 »
Updated: Jul 29, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest time of year?

January, with an average high of 39.2°F (4°C) and a low of 21.9°F (-5.6°C), signifies the coldest month of the year.

What is the most humid month?

January is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 67%.

How much does it rain in Santa Fe?

Throughout the year, there are 90.3 rainfall days, and 9.8" (249mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow?

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall.

How much does it snow?

In Santa Fe, during the entire year, snow falls for 36 days and aggregates up to 22.68" (576mm) of snow.

What are the months with the least sunshine?

The months with the least sunshine in Santa Fe are January, February and December, with an average of 7.1h of sunshine.

What is the month with the lowest UV index?

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

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 driest month?

April is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 7.1 days and accumulates 0.55" (14mm) of precipitation.

What is the least humid month?

June is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 32%.

When it does not snow?

June through September are months without snowfall.

When are the longest days?

June has the longest days of the year in Santa Fe, with an average of 14h and 30min of daylight.

What month has the most sunshine in Santa Fe?

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

When is the highest UV index?

June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

What is the warmest month?

July is the month that records the highest temperatures, with averages ranging from a high of 81.5°F (27.5°C) to a low of 59.2°F (15.1°C).

What is the wettest month?

The month with the most rainfall is July, when the rain falls for 14.3 days and typically aggregates up to 1.73" (44mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow the most?

December is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 7.9 days and accumulates 5.71" (145mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days?

With an average of 9h and 48min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.

Average temperature
Santa Fe, NM

Average temperature - Santa Fe, NM

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (81.5°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (39.2°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (59.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is December (21.6°F).

Average pressure
Santa Fe, NM

Average pressure - Santa Fe, NM

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is April (29.88"Hg).

Average wind speed
Santa Fe, NM

Average wind speed - Santa Fe, NM

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (8.9mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.8mph).

Average humidity
Santa Fe, NM

Average humidity - Santa Fe, NM

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (67%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is June (32%).

Average rainfall
Santa Fe, NM

Average rainfall - Santa Fe, NM

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (1.73").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is April (0.55").

Average rainfall days
Santa Fe, NM

Average rainfall days - Santa Fe, NM

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (14.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (3.4 days).

Average snowfall
Santa Fe, NM

Average snowfall - Santa Fe, NM

The month with the highest snowfall is December (5.71").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Santa Fe, NM

Average snowfall days - Santa Fe, NM

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (7.9 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Santa Fe, NM

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Santa Fe, NM

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 48min).

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

Average sunshine days
Santa Fe, NM

Average sunshine days - Santa Fe, NM

The month with the most sunshine days is November (23.6 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (8.8 days).

Average UV index
Santa Fe, NM

Average UV index - Santa Fe, NM

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 2).

Average visibility
Santa Fe, NM

Average visibility - Santa Fe, 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).

Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

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