The Best Times to Visit New Mexico in 2024

Fall sunset in New Mexico over fall trees - fall is one of the best times to visit New Mexico, and hiking or driving to great views like this is one of the best things to do in New Mexico

As we head deeper into the chilly winter months, many of us are filling our time making plans for the New Year – and for many of us, that includes traveling to new and/or beloved destinations. If you haven’t yet put New Mexico on your list, you should! As you start daydreaming about that upcoming trip, you may find yourself wondering about the best times to visit New Mexico. 

Though truthfully, the best times to visit New Mexico are whenever you can get here – because there’s something to love about all of the glorious seasons in this sun-drenched state – there is something special about fall. Fall, a season when the bright yellow pops of color from the aspens contrast beautifully with the Piñon Pines and when artists traditionally open their studio doors to the public, is exquisite. Though many – us included – think fall is one of the best times to visit New Mexico, there’s plenty to love about the other seasons, too. 

Winter is quiet, serene, and far less crowded, leaving you more time to explore and dig deeper into the rich cultural tapestry of New Mexico. Spring is a great time to break out of the winter doldrums and enjoy outdoor adventures. Summer in New Mexico is brimming with opportunities for outdoor recreation, vibrant festivals, and so much more. In short, we’re not kidding when we tell you that the best times to visit New Mexico are whenever you can find the time to get here – a fact many guests at our New Mexico Bed and Breakfast would agree with. 

Regardless of the “when” of your trip, we hope the “where” includes plenty of relaxation at our top-rated New Mexico Bed and Breakfast. We’re located in Chimayó, just off the High Road to Taos and minutes from the Santuario de Chimayó, one of the 100 most holy places on earth. We offer a welcoming respite away from the busy pace of modern life. There’s no better place to stay in New Mexico. Book your room today! 

beautiful aspens during fall in New Mexico - one of the best times to visit New Mexico

The Best Times to Visit New Mexico

We recognize that when travel planning, you appreciate definitive answers to questions like “When are the best times to visit New Mexico,” and that’s why we’ll tell you to visit in the fall. Fall is considered by many to be the best one of the best times to visit New Mexico. One look around at the colorful explosion that is fall in New Mexico, and you’ll understand why it’s such a popular time of year! 

Fall is one of the best times to visit New Mexico to enjoy the outdoors. The autumn weather in New Mexico is mild, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy various outdoor pursuits. From hiking to the high mountain peaks surrounding us in Northern New Mexico to enjoying scenic bike rides through the valleys, there are more than enough things to do in New Mexico to keep you busy.

Daytime temperatures in the fall range between 60 – 70 degrees, and it’s also one of the drier seasons. These long, cooler days are perfect for exploring the area – and our New Mexico Bed and Breakfast is well-situated for you to enjoy the best of it! 

If, however, you’d rather spend your day exploring the extraordinary museums in Santa Fe or dining at top restaurants, fall may actually not be one of the best times to visit New Mexico. Why, you ask? Fall is popular, which also means it’s busy. Those crowds often occupy valuable space at the city’s top restaurants, museums, and popular cultural attractions around the state. You may find that visiting in the off-season is actually a better time to visit New Mexico. 

All of this brings us back to our opening statement – with so many fantastic things to do in New Mexico and four glorious seasons to enjoy them all, it’s true that the best times to visit New Mexico are the times that work in your busy schedule. Regardless of when you visit, take the time to relax, unwind, and sink into the unique cultural confluence of northern New Mexico. There’s nothing else like it! 

Find the best time to visit New Mexico, and then make sure to visit placesl like the Bandelier National Monument. The cliff dwellings, pictured here, are one of the best things to do in New Mexico

The Best Things to Do in New Mexico in the Fall

If fall is one of the best times to visit New Mexico, what should you do while you’re here? Beyond admiring the beautiful fall scenery, there are plenty of great things to do in New Mexico each fall. From scenic drives on the High Road to Taos to unforgettable hikes in the Carson National Forest, our New Mexico Bed and Breakfast is well-situated for you to enjoy all the best things to do in New Mexico. Below, we’ve listed some of our favorite ways to enjoy fall in New Mexico.

  1. There’s nothing better than a fall afternoon hiking in northern New Mexico. Our favorite fall hiking destinations include the Carson National Forest and the Santa Fe National Forest.
  2. Take a scenic drive on the High Road to Taos Scenic Byway, one of the most scenic drives in the state.
  3. While driving the High Road to Taos, don’t miss the High Road Artisans Fall Studio Tour, held each September.
  4. For more great art and culture, head south to Santa Fe to browse the art galleries, shops, and museums.
  5. Enjoy some wine tasting at some of the top New Mexico wineries.
  6. Visit top-rated cultural attractions in northern New Mexico, like Bandelier National Monument and Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument.
  7. Fall is an exquisite time to go hot air ballooning in New Mexico. Each October is also when the International Balloon Fiesta is held in Albuquerque.
  8. Unwind and relax at the top New Mexico hot springs like Jemez Hot Springs and Ojo Caliente.

Of course, many of these top things to do in New Mexico can be enjoyed year-round, and there are even more great things to do in the winter, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing and snowboarding. Fall may be one of the best times to visit New Mexico, but at the same time, there’s no bad time to visit. That is especially true when you stay with us at our New Mexico Bed and Breakfast. Book your room today!

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