New Mexico is a US state north of the Mexican border that extends over a diverse landscape and covers 314,917 square kilometers. It borders Texas and Oklahoma states and has an elevation of 5701 feet (1741 meters) above sea level. The highest point in New Mexico is Wheeler Peak at 13,161 feet (4,011.4 meters) while the lowest is Red Bluff Reservoir at 2845 feet (868 meters) above sea level. Given such altitudes, one can’t help but wonder, does it snow in New Mexico?
New Mexico has a pleasant climate that happens to be one of its greatest attractions. Temperatures are dependent on altitude, with the lowlands experiencing hot temperatures of about 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celsius) while the highlands record as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit (-46 degrees Celsius). Given such extreme temperatures, it is no surprise that New Mexico receives its fair share of snowfall.
When Does It Snow in New Mexico?
It snows throughout New Mexico between November and March. Northern and Central New Mexico record the highest snowfall, with up to 40 inches (1016 millimeters) of snow being recorded while the southern regions experience the least snowfall.
Here is a closer look into New Mexico’s snowiest months.
Snowfall in November
New Mexico records its first instance of snowfall in November. Temperatures on average range from lows of 25 degrees Fahrenheit (-3.9 degrees Celsius) to highs of 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius). The northern parts of New Mexico experience chillier temperatures compared to other parts of the state.
Flurries of snow are seen in the highlands, and the amount increases as you move further up.
Snowfall in December
December marks the start of the cold season in New Mexico. It is freezing in the deserts, mild in the northern highlands, and warm towards the south of New Mexico. The temperatures in the north range between average lows of 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-15 degrees Celsius) to 21 degrees Fahrenheit (-6.1 degrees Celsius).
New Mexico sees a snowfall of between 4 inches (101.6 millimeters) to 6 inches (152.4 millimeters), and this value increases with an increase in altitude. The snow accumulated in the highlands fluctuates between 15 inches (381 millimeters) and 20 inches (508 millimeters).
Snowfall in January
January is the coldest month in New Mexico. The northern parts record chilly temperatures ranging from 2 degrees Fahrenheit (-16.7 degrees Celsius) to 8 degrees Fahrenheit (-13.3 degrees Celsius).
January is also the snowiest, with many places reporting snowfall in the range of 6 inches (152.4 millimeters) and 8 inches (203.2 millimeters), while at higher altitudes, snow may collect up to depths of 21 inches (533.4 millimeters).
Snowfall in February
New Mexico experiences cold temperatures in February. The temperatures fluctuate between 63 degrees Fahrenheit (17.2 degrees Celsius) and a freezing low of 6 degrees Fahrenheit (-14.4 degrees Celsius).
Snowfall is still heavy in February, with between 5 inches (127 millimeters) and 7 inches (177.8 millimeters) of snow recorded in the northern parts. Sugarite Canyon Park has the most snowfall in February, registering 16 inches (406.4 millimeters).
Snowfall in March
March marks the start of the spring season, where temperatures are warm and comfortable. The state registers temperatures ranging from 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21.1 degrees Celsius).
It snows in some parts of New Mexico though the snow melts fast, especially in the lowlands.
Where does it Snow in New Mexico?
Much of the snow in New Mexico falls in the northern parts of the state, while the southern parts record negligible snow.
Snow in Santa Fe
Santa Fe is the capital city of New Mexico and covers an area of 135.57 square kilometers.
The coldest month in Santa Fe is January, with average temperatures ranging from highs of 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) to lows of 21.9 degrees Fahrenheit (-5.6 degrees Celsius).
Santa Fe experiences snowfall for 36 days and collects up to 22.68 inches (576 millimeters) of snow throughout the year.
Snow in Red River
Red River is a resort town located on the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at 8671 feet (2643 meters) above sea level. It spans an area of 2.64 square kilometers and has a population of 477 people.
The coldest month in Red River is January, with average lows of 11.7 degrees Fahrenheit (-11.3 degrees Celsius) being recorded.
It snows for 62.6 days throughout the year in Red River, and the snow accumulates to depths of 40.35 inches (1025 millimeters).
Snow in Silver City
Silver City is a town in New Mexico located at the foot of Pinos Altos Range. It covers an area of 26.3 square kilometers and is home to about 10,000 people.
January is the coldest month in Silver Steve, and temperatures in the town fall as low as 30.7 degrees Fahrenheit (-0.7 degrees Celsius).
Silver City sees 13.3 snowfall days throughout the year and collects up to 10.55 inches (268 millimeters) of snow.
Ski Resorts in New Mexico
Taos Ski Resort
This is a ski resort located in southwestern New Mexico between elevations 9200 feet (2804 meters) and 12481 feet (3804 meters) above sea level. The resort has 113 kilometers available for skiing and snowboarding.
Taos Ski Resort has slopes that cater to all skiing difficulty levels. It also has 14 lifts for transporting guests.
Angel Fire Ski Resort
This resort is located in Angel Fire between elevations of 8600 feet (2600 meters) and 10677 feet (3254 meters) above sea level and covers a skiable area of 2.3 square kilometers.
The resort, which is open from December to March, has 75 kilometers ready for skiing and snowboarding activities and is served by five ski lifts.
Apache Ski Resort
This is a ski resort located on the slopes of Sierra Blanca in southern New Mexico. The resort is located between 9600 feet (2900 meters) and 11500 feet (3500 meters) above sea level.
It has 55 kilometers of slope available for skiing and snowboarding and is served by 11 ski lifts.
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