Hi...I've got a question for ya...Is late Nov. (Thanksgiving time) a good time to visit Santa Fe?

[whathehell]

I have to make a decision as to whether to go on Labor Day or over the Thanksgiving Holiday.

I would certainly imagine that the Labor Day Holiday would be warmer, etc. but I just want to know if Santa Fe is still pleasant enough (sunny, warmish) to visit then.

Thanks!

[SheilaT]

1. It will probably be on the chilly side

in late November. But there's an amazing amount of sunshine year round, and if it snows the odds are good that it will be melted off in a couple of hours.

Depending on what sorts of things you like to do, November will still be a good time to visit. The Flea Market (in Tusuque, a little north of Santa Fe) will be closed by then. But all the museums are open. If there is some snow the mountains are even more gorgeous. Just driving in and around the city is always a treat. In November it's not yet ski season, so the area around the Plaza won't be as crowded.

Where would you be coming from? That might be the most important question.

This past winter was relatively chilly and snowy, but wouldn't have slowed me down were I visiting here. A lot depends on how much you like to just be outside in pleasant weather. And how much it annoys you to have to put on another layer or two if it's cold.

[whathehell]

2. Hi Sheila...Thanks for responding.

Your description -- if I understand you correctly -- is that it might be chilly Fall weather (like 45 to 55 degrees?) but not exactly dead winter, like 30 to 40 degrees.

I don't mind "cool" weather at all..In fact, I prefer it...I can even handle cold weather, but it's not the kind of weather you want to sightsee in, if you know what I mean.

Thanks again!....I'm excited about Santa Fe...I hear it's beautiful.

Whathell

P.S. I'll be coming from Chicago

[Abq_Sarah]

3. During the day

Expect temps in the upper 40's to mid 50's. As soon as the sun sets, the temp will drop fairly quickly down into the 20's. Nov is a pretty dry month so I wouldn't expect anything greater than an occasional snow flurry. Just remember to carry a jacket or sweater with you because it will feel pretty warm standing in the sun but once you're in the shade, you'll feel cold.

[whathehell]

4. Thanks, Albq_Sarah!

I appreciate your information..Will help me make my travel plans:toast:

[abq e streeter]

5. Hi and welcome ( in advance) to NM from a long gone refugee from Chicago

Like most places, S.F.'s weather can be unpredictable, but generally, around Thanksgiving, a good chance of beautiful, cool sunny weather, and like the others said, definitely chilly if not flat out cold at night and early A.M. ( avg. highs and lows of about 50, and low 20's). But I can't think of a bad time to visit Santa Fe, even midwinter is beautiful, just very cold at night... Labor Day weekend is Fiestas weekend(oops, just checked; Labor Day is the 6th and burning of Zozobra the 9th...http://www.santafenm.info/fiesta.htm, so possible you'll miss the fiesta crowds on Labor Day weekend). Thanksgiving while colder, will still probably be mellower, and that'd be my choice. By the way, I assume you're aware that the elevation, (in town, not the mountains,) is 7 thousand feet, so be prepared to be a little winded walking around especially the first day ( might not happen, but certainly possible). For this same reason, the nights are usually already getting at least a little chilly even by Labor Day( avg highs of about 80 , down to about 50 at night). I know some people think it's gotten too touristy, but I still think it's a beautiful, magical place after well over 30 years in NM. Whichever you decide... enjoy NM... I know you will.


(SANTA FE 2 Weather station, 5.21 miles from Santa Fe)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
Max °F 43.0 48.8 56.2 64.2 73.1 83.0 85.6 82.9 76.8 66.3 52.4 43.7 64.7
Mean °F 29.3 34.8 41.0 47.9 56.6 66.0 69.8 67.8 61.5 50.8 38.0 29.8 49.4
Min °F 15.5 20.8 25.8 31.6 40.1 48.9 53.9 52.7 46.1 35.2 23.6 15.9 34.2

[SheilaT]

6. Another reminder about

the elevation. You will need to drink LOTS of water. You may tire much more easily than you're used to.

My 23 year old son plays ultimate frisbee. He lives in Kansas, and I first saw him play in Boulder and then Albuquerque. Last weekend I saw him play in Kansas. I could really tell the difference in how winded he got at altitude as compared to not at altitude.

Anyway, if I were talking a friend into visiting here, I'd be inclined to suggest Labor Day rather than Thanksgiving. The problem with Thanksgiving is the possibility of bad weather, especially during the travel here and back to Chicago. How are you coming?

[Warpy]

7. Both Labor Day and Thanksgiving are great times

because they're both off season. Labor Day weekend can be on the warm side, more miserable for sightseeing than cooler weather, IMO. I've taken friends from New England sightseeing there in January in a snowstorm, and they were fine. Just dress appropriately.

That desert sun will fool you. When I first moved out here, it felt warm so I was in a t-shirt and jeans, felt something crunch under my feet and looked down--it was ice. In full sun. I checked the temp and it was 30.

Do be aware that you will need to sit down and rest frequently and that your need for fluids will increase. It's a good idea to carry a bottle of water with you.

Also wear very comfortable shoes. While the old town is fairly compact, you will still do a great deal of walking. The museums are farther out but well worth the trip, and you'll do a lot of walking there, too.