‹ New Mexico weather by month

New Mexico weather in December

The state broadly agrees with itself in December: afternoons run 47° in Albuquerque and 44° in Santa Fe, with everywhere else in between.

Based on 2 weather stations. Two stations, both a mile high or better — the low desert in the state’s south and the ski peaks above Taos both sit outside what these numbers cover.

Albuquerque & the Rio Grande Valley

Highs near 47°, nights around 27°, and 2.8 in of snow in a typical December.

Place Highs / lows Wet days Snow The short version
Albuquerque 47° / 27° 3 2.8 in Cold and clear, with paper lanterns lining the walls.

Santa Fe & the High Desert

Highs near 44°, nights around 20°, and 0.5 in of rain in a typical December.

Place Highs / lows Wet days The short version
Santa Fe 44° / 20° 4 Cold nights, candlelit walls, and the ski basin open.

Each place above has its own page for the full story — what the month feels like, what to pack, and whether the timing is right.

Where to go in December, across the whole country ›