One of the few places in the US that experiences all four seasons as if they were crafted with a painter’s brush, there is no bad time to visit Santa Fe, just different color palettes. At an altitude of 7000ft, winters are white – but not wicked – and summers are hot – but not hellish – making this the perfect get up and go destination all year round.
Here’s a guide to decide which time of year will make your heart skip the most beats.
High Season: July To September
Best all-around season
Beginning in July and ending in September, the New Mexico monsoon season makes this time of year the most enchanting of them all. Wildflowers are blooming and the high summer heat is breaking with afternoon showers that cool off the day and create epic cloud formations and dramatic sunsets. Taking a timeout to sip a margarita on the patio and watch the rainfall, sometimes while the sun is still shining, will make you feel as if you’ve fallen into one of the thousands of paintings that fill the plaza galleries.
Moreover, summer in Santa Fe is celebrated with many of the country’s most prestigious art markets. Consequently, this time of year can also see spikes in lodging prices and even a scarcity of accommodations during key events. To secure the best places to stay, it is advisable to arrange accommodations six to twelve months ahead of a trip to Santa Fe in summer.
Shoulder Season: December
Best season for the poet at heart
Fast forward to December for a romantic walk down snow-dusted adobe corridors, magical luminaria-lined buildings, skiing, and winter art markets. Arguably one of the most memorable times to visit Santa Fe, this season is ideal for those who prefer cooler weather, fewer tourists, and more reasonable lodging.
This is also a great time of year for photography; getting cozy around a piñon fire; and taking in the Christmas spirit with plenty of pageantry, lights, and Pueblo dances in the surrounding communities.
Low Season: November & January to April
Best bang for your buck
Mid-October sees the International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in neighboring Albuquerque, which results in a spike in tourists visiting Santa Fe. Afterward, things start to feel a bit like the beginning of hibernation until increased winter activity through December. January brings back the lull of long nights and lazy mornings until Memorial Day when the temperatures start to stabilize and spring bulbs poke their heads up along the legendary Canyon Road.
This is an excellent time of year for budget travel in Santa Fe, providing a taste of what makes this place so prominent in the mystique of the West. The chile remains just as hot and the sunsets just as stunning during peak season, but with lower costs and less congestion on the historic downtown streets.
January
Just like the rain falling through the sunshine in late summer, now is a time for cold temperatures and occasional sunlit snow, creating a winter vibe that isn’t gloomy. Socially, this is a relatively quiet time of year to visit, but it is perfect for those interested in skiing or snowboarding.
February
If Santa Fe had a “blah” month, this would be it.
March
Winter is over! Or it will be once the last freak snowstorm hits. Ski season has a final hurrah before the melt-off, and families focused on cultural experiences might choose to skip Cancun and show up in the City of Holy Faith for Spring Break.
April
April is the calm before the storm as the hospitality industry gears up for the upcoming tourist season. For those interested in a truly unique experience, Holy Week in Northern New Mexico is steeped in Old World traditions. Enjoy Easter Mass in any of the historic churches, including San Miguel Chapel, the oldest church in the United States, built in 1610.
May
As temperatures rise, May brings pleasant weather for exploring the winding one-way roads of the Historic Plaza, allowing visitors to pop into shops and restaurants without too much hustle and bustle.
June
The flowers are blooming in the immaculate gallery gardens along Canyon Road, the gentle breeze tingles through the aspen leaves, and locals may grumble about parking and out-of-towners as tourist season arrives.
July
July marks the beginning of art market season, making it an exhilarating time to visit Santa Fe for those looking for a full schedule of outings without needing to venture too far from the city center, the Plaza.
August
Building on the festivities initiated in July, August is filled with activities and events. The highlight is the Santa Fe Indian Market, which attracts around 150,000 visitors annually to experience the largest indigenous art market in the world, featuring a weekend of activities from fashion shows to galas.
The month concludes with the burning of Zozobra, a larger-than-life puppet set ablaze to rid attendees of negativity.
September
Late September begins with the Santa Fe Fiestas and transitions into a season filled with dazzling days and the changing colors of aspen leaves in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains that surround Santa Fe. Local tradition includes trips into the mountains for leaf viewing parties.
This time of year, the aroma of roasting chile permeates the air as green chile is harvested from the fields in Southern New Mexico.
October
Wrap up in Pendleton blankets, breathe in the piñon smoke from fireplaces roaring across town, and prepare to relax in a cozy adobe casita with a bowl of green chile stew and an engaging film.
November
A hushed atmosphere envelops the city as it becomes a time for reflection on the year gone by while soaking in hot water and gazing at the stars. This is an ideal time to experience one of Santa Fe’s outdoor spas where attendees can enjoy the serenity of moon gazing.
December
The Christmas season in Santa Fe is a picturesque experience, marked by snow-dusted adobe buildings, streets aglow with luminarias, and coyote fences adorned with piñon bows, all dressed for their moment in the spotlight. Additionally, do not miss out on enjoying some tamales or biscochitos, the beloved treats of the holiday season.
