Santa Fe, New Mexico, experiences a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons.
Spring (March-May): The weather begins to warm up, but nights can still be quite cool. The city doesn’t get much rain, but spring can bring occasional showers. Temperatures range from highs of 50-70°F (10-21°C) and lows of 25-40°F (-4-4°C).
Summer (June-August): Summers in Santa Fe are warm but not overly hot, thanks to the city’s altitude. Daytime highs are typically in the mid-80s to low 90s°F (29-34°C), while nights are cooler, falling to the 50s or 60s°F (10-15°C). There’s a chance of thunderstorms, especially in late summer.
Fall (September-November): Fall is a delightful time to visit Santa Fe. The weather is comfortable, with daytime highs in the 60s and 70s°F (15-24°C) and nighttime lows in the 30s and 40s°F (1-9°C). The city also gets less rain in the fall than in the summer.
Winter (December-February): Winters can be cold, with highs generally in the 40s°F (4-9°C) and lows often dropping into the teens or 20s°F (-9 to -2°C). The city usually gets a moderate amount of snow.
The best time to visit Santa Fe really depends on what you want to do:
- Fall is often considered the best time to visit for weather, as the temperatures are comfortable and the summer rains have usually stopped. The fall foliage, especially when you get out into the surrounding countryside, is beautiful.
- Summer can be a great time to visit if you want to experience the city’s many festivals and events, including the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Santa Fe Opera season.
- Spring can be a good time to visit for lower hotel rates and fewer crowds, though the weather can be a bit unpredictable.
- Winter can be cold, but the snow-covered landscape is beautiful, and you can enjoy winter sports in the nearby mountains.