Best time to visit New Mexico

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New Mexico

Best time of year to visit New Mexico

New Mexico’s mild, sunny winters are an ideal time for sightseeing in the southern part of the state. In the summer, sweltering, dry weather serves as the backdrop for events like the AlienFest in the northern region. From Albuquerque and further north, winter in New Mexico produces noticeably cold and snowy weather. But what could be more perfect for the avid skiers attacking Taos and other top ski resorts in the area? June through August offer a pleasantly warm climate, just right for exploring the mountains. Without a doubt, September and October are deemed to be the best time to visit New Mexico, as early fall boasts temperate weather all around the state. Annual events such as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta or New Mexico State Fair are held in the fall. Middle to late spring is the time to visit the desert areas, which are in bloom with endless arrays of vibrant wildflowers.

7 THINGS TO DO IN NEW MEXICO (OCTOBER 06 - OCTOBER 15)

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

October 7–15, 2023 • event

Come and share incredible emotions where hundreds of colorful balloons fill the sky over Albuquerque

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

late May–late October • activity

Take a picturesque steam train trip through the American West that you will never forget

New Mexico Fall Colors

New Mexico Fall Colors

October • nature

Go on a golden aspen pilgrimage throughout New Mexico

Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Study Area

Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Study Area

all year round (best time: September–November) • nature

This open-air natural museum attracts visitors by its uniquely pristine landscapes

Gilman Tunnels

Gilman Tunnels

May–November  • activity

Take a ride through the old railway tunnels

Tarantula Migration

Tarantula Migration

September–October  • nature

Thousands of spiders can be spotted on roads, trails, and even in backyards

Santa Rosa Blue Hole

Santa Rosa Blue Hole

all year round • activity

One of the most popular diving spots in the United States

19 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

White Sands Balloon & Music Festival

White Sands Balloon & Music Festival

out of rangeSeptember 15–17, 2023 • event

Witness colorful hot air balloons flying over the white sand dunes close to Alamogordo

UFO Festival

UFO Festival

out of rangeJune 30–July 2, 2023 • event

Roswell, the UFO Capital, gathers extraterrestrials for the largest themed party in the world

River of Lights in Albuquerque

River of Lights in Albuquerque

out of rangeNovember 26–December 30, 2022 • event

New Mexico's largest walk-through holiday lights show

Twinkle Light Parade in Albuquerque

Twinkle Light Parade in Albuquerque

out of rangeDecember 3, 2022 • event

The most colorful Christmas celebration in the city

Southern New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo

Southern New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo

out of range September 27 – October 1, 2023 • event

A celebration of the region's agricultural roots with some quality family time in Las Cruces

Sandhill Crane Migration

Sandhill Crane Migration

out of rangelate October–early February • nature

Birds put on an amazing show at Bosque del Apache over the winter

New Mexico State Fair

New Mexico State Fair

out of rangeSeptember 7–17, 2023 • event

One of top-ranking state fairs in the United States

Chinese New Year in Albuquerque

Chinese New Year in Albuquerque

out of rangeJanuary 22, 2023 • event

Lion dance and other traditional oriental festivities at the Chinese Culture Center of Albuquerque

Albuquerque Comic Con

Albuquerque Comic Con

unconfirmedJanuary 12–14, 2024 • event

The oldest and the largest cosplay event in New Mexico

Christmas Lights in Albuquerque

Christmas Lights in Albuquerque

out of rangeNovember 25–December 31, 2022 • event

Hit the sparkling routes of ABQ and take in all its festive cheer

Santa Fe Comic Con

Santa Fe Comic Con

out of rangemid-October 2023 • event

One of the largest fan conventions in New Mexico

Albuquerque Halloween Events

Albuquerque Halloween Events

out of rangelate October–early November 2022 • event

From Halloween to Día de Los Muertos, fall is Albuquerque's most festive season

Balloons Over Angel Fire Hot-Air Balloon Festival

Balloons Over Angel Fire Hot-Air Balloon Festival

unconfirmedAugust 2023 • event

Save the date for this Pinterest-like hot-air balloon festival!

Wings Over Cannon

Wings Over Cannon

out of rangeApril 22, 2023 • event

Have your jaw drop at this thrilling air show

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds

out of rangeJuly–September • nature

Visit one of the best states for hummingbird watching

Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and Snowboarding

out of rangemid-December–early April (best in February–early March) • activity

New Mexico's snow-capped mountains along with true alpine environment offer amazing skiing terrain for all levels

Taos Balloon Rally

Taos Balloon Rally

unconfirmedOctober 27–29, 2023 • event

Rise over Taos Mountain in northern New Mexico’s high desert

Red Rock Balloon Rally

Red Rock Balloon Rally

unconfirmedDecember 1–3, 2023 • event

The second largest balloon festival in North America

Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta

Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta

out of rangeAugust 4–6, 2023 • event

You'll want to take a million pictures at this hot-air balloon festival, so be sure to grab your camera!

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