Your Home in the Heart of Santa Fe

Santa Fe Weather & Tips

Santa Fe Tips: If this is your first time to Santa Fe and the Inn of the Governors, you will be interested in reading some of our thoughts on how best to enjoy your time with us. 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.

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Santa Fe Weather

Inn exterior covered in snow

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 and Rainfall

  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 60 36 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
Ski New Mexico 505-858-2422

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Visitor Information

Hikers in the fall

Tourism Santa Fe 800-777-CITY website
Santa Fe Visitors Center 800-777-CITY 201 West Marcy Street
Santa Fe County Chamber of Commerce 505-988-3279 website
New Mexico Department of Tourism   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 800-777-CITY website
  • Area code for the state is 505 or 575 depending on where you are calling
  • Mountain Standard Time Zone (Daylight Savings Observed)
  • Emergency dial 911
  • Population of Santa Fe is estimated at 141,557 (as of 2016)
  • 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 65 miles North of Albuquerque (Main Airport) in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and 75 miles south of Taos.

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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 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.

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Culture

Wood carver working

  • 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. When ordering both, ask for Christmas, just like the locals.
  • Pueblos have very specific etiquette, and may close for holidays or ceremonies. Please check the pueblos website before you visit for specific information.

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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 not permitted in public areas or 25 feet from a public entrance.
  • Smoking is not permitted in restaurants or bars.
  • The legal age for gambling in New Mexico is 18.
  • The legal age for drinking in New Mexico is 21.

Things to See and Do in Santa Fe!

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