
Weather & Tips
Santa Fe Tips If this is your first time to Santa Fe and Inn of the Governors, you will be interested in reading some of our Santa Fe tips. We have provided information on visitor information, suggestions for what to bring, information about our culture and local laws, and additional resources to keep you up-to-date on what’s happening in Santa Fe.
Santa Fe Weather
Santa Fe has a very dry, high desert climate with intense sunlight. On average, the city experiences more than 300 sunny days per year. The highest temperatures in July and August are 80-90 °F with only 3-6 days per year with 90+°F highs. The Santa Fe rainy season is generally July through August when thunderstorms quickly come through in the afternoon. Santa Fe averages only 14 inches of rain annually. Snow season occurs from November through April, with an average of 32 inches of snow in town and up to 300 inches in the ski areas.
| TEMPERATURE °F | RAINFALL | |||
| AVERAGE | HIGH | LOW | Inches | |
| January | 29 | 40 | 18 | 0.6 |
| February | 32 | 44 | 21 | 0.6 |
| March | 38 | 50 | 26 | 0.9 |
| April | 46 | 59 | 33 | 0.8 |
| May | 55 | 68 | 42 | 0.9 |
| June | 65 | 78 | 51 | 1.0 |
| July | 68 | 81 | 55 | 2.4 |
| August | 66 | 78 | 53 | 2.6 |
| September | 59 | 71 | 47 | 1.6 |
| October | 50 | 62 | 38 | 1.0 |
| November | 38 | 49 | 27 | 0.8 |
| December | 30 | 41 | 19 | 0.8 |
| Annual | 48 | 36 | 60 | 1.4 |
Sunrise/Sunset Times
| SUNRISE | SUNSET | |
| January | 7:00 – 7:15am | 5:00 – 5:15pm |
| February | 6:45 – 7:00am | 5:30 – 5:45pm |
| March | 6:15 – 6:30am | 6:00 – 6:15pm |
| April | 5:45 – 6:30am | 6:30 – 7:30pm |
| May | 6:00 – 6:15am | 7:45 – 8:00pm |
| June | 5:45 – 6:00am | 8:15 – 8:30pm |
| July | 5:45 – 6:00am | 8:15 – 8:30pm |
| August | 6:15 – 6:30am | 7:45 – 8:15pm |
| September | 6:30 – 6:45am | 7:00 – 7:15pm |
| October | 7:00 – 7:15am | 6:30 – 6:45pm |
| November | 6:30 – 6:45am | 5:00 – 5:15pm |
| December | 6:45 – 7:00am | 4:45 – 5:00pm |
Weather Condition Information
You may also find weather, road and ski condition information at the follow sources:
| Weatherline (ABQ Journal North) | 505-988-5151 |
| New Mexico State Highway & Transportation Dept | 800-432-4269 |
| Arizona | 888-411-7623 |
| Colorado | 303-639-1111 |
| Texas | 800-452-9292 |
| New Mexico Snow | 505-984-0606 |
| Ski New Mexico | 800-755-7669 |
Visitor Information
| Santa Fe Convention & Visitors Bureau | 800-777-CITY | website |
| Santa Fe Visitors Center | 800-777-CITY | 8380 Cerrillos Rd. |
| Santa Fe County Chamber of Commerce | 505-988-3279 | website |
| New Mexico Department of Tourism | 800-545-2040 | website |
| La Bajada Visitor Information Center | 505-424-0823 | I-25 17 miles south of Santa Fe |
| The Access New Mexico Guide (Disabled Travelers) | website | |
| Foreign Visitors | 505-982-4931 | website |
- Area code for the entire state is 505
- Mountain Standard Time Zone (Daylight Savings Observed)
- Emergency dial 911
- Population of Santa Fe is 147,000 (as of 2000 Census)
- Altitude 7000 ft. above sea level. Some people may feel fatigue, unusual thirst, or even dizziness for a day or so. Be sure to drink lots of water, it helps greatly with altitude sickness. Alcoholic beverages will affect most people sooner. Use caution when exercising (give yourself time to adjust to the altitude before partaking of any strenuous physical activities such as skiing, running, hiking, etc.)
- High Desert conditions cause limited water supplies. Water conservation restrictions are followed in hotels, restaurants, etc.
- Seasonal Events may affect hotel and/or restaurant availability and reservations should be made as far in advance as possible. Please see the Event Calendar for major event listings.
- Parking is difficult in the downtown area. However, parking at the hotel is complimentary for our guests and most downtown attractions are within walking distance.
- For information on Local Allergens, visit www.pollen.com/library_local.asp
- Santa Fe is 50 miles North of Albuquerque (Main Airport) in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and 75 miles south of Taos.
What To Bring
- Layered Clothing. Early morning and evenings in Santa Fe can be cool even in the summer months.
- Walking Shoes. Parking is a challenge in downtown Santa Fe. Walking is the preferred means of site seeing.
- Sunscreen. High desert means closer to the sun. Sunburns are possible even in winter.
- Hat/Visor/Sunglasses. Santa Fe has over 300 sunny days annually.
- Bathing Suit. Our outdoor heated swimming pool is open year round!
- Camera. Santa Fe’s has unforgettable natural beauty and unique architecture.
- Credit Card (Many local businesses don’t accept out of state personal or business checks).
- An additional bag to carry home your gifts and souvenirs.
Culture
- Multi-Cultural Community (Native American, Mexican, Spanish, Hispanic, and Anglo primarily).
- Red or Green Chile (commonly served in restaurants) is HOT! Use caution when ordering New Mexican food, and perhaps try ordering your Chile on the side.
- Pueblos have very specific etiquette, and may close for holidays or ceremonies. Please check the pueblos website before you visit for specific information.
Local Laws
- All drivers/passengers are required to wear safety belts while traveling in a moving vehicle.
- New Mexico has a law against driving while using a hand-held cell phone.
- No helmets are required (only eye protection) for motorcyclists over the age of 18, but are highly recommended.
- Wildfire Restrictions Apply.
- Smoking is permitted in designated public areas only.
- Smoking is not permitted in restaurants or bars.
- The legal age for gambling in New Mexico is 18.
- For more details visit www.codedsystems.com/santa_fe.htm