Thanksgiving in New Mexico usually brings crisp mornings, sunny afternoons, and those sudden weather shifts that can catch you off guard. Most areas see daytime temperatures in the 50s and 60s, but nights often drop below freezing.
The southern deserts tend to stay dry and pretty mild, while the northern mountains sometimes get snow. Conditions really depend on where you are.
This is one of the best times for clear skies if you’re into hiking or exploring. But don’t get too comfortable—winter patterns can show up fast.
One day, you might walk sunny trails, and the next, you’re bundled up against chilly winds or even snow showers. That mix of sun and cold is just part of late November’s unpredictable charm in New Mexico.
If you know what to expect, you can plan better. Whether you want to chase fall colors in the high country, hike in the desert, or get ready for winter travel, understanding these patterns paints a clearer picture of Thanksgiving week across the state.
Typical Thanksgiving Weather in New Mexico
Thanksgiving brings cool to mild afternoons and chilly nights. Conditions swing from dry to unsettled, depending on where you go and how high up you are.
Some years, short-lived storms bring rain or snow. Other times, the holiday stays sunny and calm.
Average Temperatures in Late November
Temperatures really vary across New Mexico during Thanksgiving.
In the south, like Las Cruces or Carlsbad, you’ll usually see highs in the mid-60s °F (18–20°C). Nights drop into the 30s °F (1–3°C). Southern New Mexico is one of the mildest parts of the state.
Central spots—think Albuquerque and Santa Fe—generally see afternoon highs between 50–57°F (10–14°C). Overnight, it gets colder, with lows in the mid-20s to low 30s °F (-4 to 1°C). Santa Fe feels colder than Albuquerque, mostly because it sits higher.
Head north, and it gets chillier. Places like Taos or Red River average highs in the 40s °F (7–12°C), with lows in the teens or 20s °F (-9 to -3°C). If you’re going to a ski town, winter gear is honestly a must, especially after sunset.
Precipitation Patterns During Thanksgiving
Late November marks the start of storm systems moving across the southern Rockies. Most of New Mexico stays fairly dry, but the chance for rain or snow rises compared to earlier in the fall.
Precipitation usually stays light. Southern cities like Roswell or Alamogordo rarely get more than half an inch for the whole month.
Central areas, like Albuquerque, see a similar pattern—just occasional showers, nothing major.
Northern and mountain regions pick up a bit more moisture. Towns like Taos, Ruidoso, and other high-elevation spots get more precipitation events, though totals are still modest. Storms can move in fast, so if you’re traveling through mountain passes, be ready for sudden changes.
Snowfall Likelihood Around Thanksgiving
Snow can show up, but it’s not a guarantee for Thanksgiving in New Mexico.
Lower elevations, like Las Cruces or Carlsbad, almost never see snow this time of year. Most years, nothing falls at all.
Central New Mexico, including Albuquerque, might get a light snow in late November. Usually, it’s just a dusting, but even that can make roads slick. Santa Fe, sitting higher, has a better chance for measurable snow.
Northern and mountain areas see the most snow. Taos, Red River, and Ruidoso often catch their first decent snowfalls now. Ski resorts sometimes open by Thanksgiving if early storms deliver enough.
Regional Variations Across New Mexico
Thanksgiving weather in New Mexico can change a lot, depending on where you travel. Elevation, latitude, and the landscape all matter, creating sharp contrasts between north and south, mountains and valleys, and even between cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Weather Differences in Northern vs Southern New Mexico
Northern New Mexico settles into colder air by late November. Cities like Santa Fe often stay in the 40s °F (5–10°C) during the day, and nighttime lows can dip well below freezing.
Snow is possible, especially higher up, and icy mornings happen a lot.
Southern New Mexico feels much milder. Las Cruces or Alamogordo see highs in the 50s to low 60s °F (10–16°C), with nights in the 30s °F (around 0–4°C). Snow is rare at lower elevations, but the nearby mountains can still pick up early-season snow.
If you’re after snow-free hiking weather, the southern valleys and deserts usually deliver. Head north, especially above 7,000 feet, and it’s colder—you’ll want winter gear.
Thanksgiving Weather in Albuquerque
Albuquerque sits at about 5,300 feet, so the climate feels in-between.
Around Thanksgiving, average highs hit the mid-50s °F (12–14°C). Lows hover near freezing. Mornings feel crisp, afternoons cool, and evenings get chilly.
Snowfall does happen, but it’s usually light this time of year. November brings less than half an inch of snow, on average. Rain is also pretty limited, with just 2–3 days of measurable precipitation for the month.
Skies tend to stay clear, and sunshine dominates most days. Winds sometimes pick up with passing cold fronts, but you’ll also get plenty of calm, sunny stretches. Albuquerque works out well for outdoor plans, as long as you bring layers.
Mountain and High Elevation Climate
Mountain regions like Taos, Red River, and the Sangre de Cristo Range get much colder Thanksgiving weather.
Daytime highs often stick in the 30s °F (around 0–4°C), and overnight lows can drop into the teens or even single digits. Snow is likely, and ski areas usually try to open for the early season by late November.
Above 8,000 feet, conditions can change fast. A sunny afternoon might turn into snow showers if a storm rolls in. Roads can get icy, so travel can slow down compared to the valleys.
If you want to hike or ski, expect true winter conditions. Early in the season, snowpack might be thin, but it stays cold enough to keep snow in shaded spots.
Climate Overview for November
In November, New Mexico cools down, gets less rain, and the days get shorter. The state shifts from late autumn calm toward early winter, but what you’ll feel really depends on where you are.
November Climate Trends
November temperatures swing from mild in the south to cold in the northern mountains.
You’ll typically see daytime highs near 55–65°F (13–18°C) in lower elevations like Albuquerque and Las Cruces. Mountain towns such as Taos or Angel Fire often stay below 45°F (7°C).
Nighttime lows drop quickly, especially higher up. In those spots, temps often hit the mid-20s°F (-4 to -6°C). Frost is common, and snow can show up in the northern and central mountains.
Rain and snow stay light, averaging less than an inch in most cities. Mountain areas can get more frequent snow, though.
Here’s a quick look at typical conditions:
| Location | Avg High °F | Avg Low °F | Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | 58 | 31 | ~0.25 in |
| Santa Fe | 52 | 27 | ~0.7 in |
| Taos | 49 | 21 | ~0.8 in |
| Las Cruces | 64 | 36 | ~0.4 in |
Transition from Monsoon Season
By November, the summer monsoon is long gone. The heavy afternoon thunderstorms from July and August give way to a drier, more stable pattern.
Moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific rarely makes it to New Mexico now. Instead, the jet stream starts dipping south, bringing quick cold fronts and the occasional snow to the high country.
You’ll probably notice the humidity drops off, especially in central and southern parts of the state. The dry air makes the cool weather feel crisp, but it also means big swings between daytime and nighttime temperatures.
In the north, early winter storms can still surprise you with snow, especially around Thanksgiving. These storms don’t usually last long, but they can cause travel headaches in the mountains.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
November still offers a lot of clear skies, but daylight keeps shrinking as the month goes on.
Early in November, you get about 10 hours of daylight, but that drops to around 9.5 hours by the end.
Sunshine is abundant—most places see 70–75% of possible sun. Southern New Mexico often racks up over 270 hours of sunshine in November. Northern mountain towns see fewer hours, thanks to shorter days and a few more storms.
Even with all that sun, it sits lower in the sky, so afternoons feel cooler. You’ll notice big temperature swings between chilly mornings and warmer afternoons, especially in the valleys.
This mix makes for a climate that’s both bright and brisk, with warm afternoons down low and chilly evenings up high.
Travel and Outdoor Considerations
Late November weather in New Mexico can flip quickly. You might enjoy a mild, sunny day in one spot, while nearby mountains see snow and cold. If you prep for both, you’ll stay comfortable and avoid surprises.
Packing Tips for Thanksgiving Travel
Pack for a wide range of temperatures. Lower valleys often reach the 50s or 60s °F in the afternoon, but mornings and evenings can dip into the 20s or 30s °F. Higher elevations might stay near freezing all day.
Bring layers so you can adjust as the weather changes. A light jacket works for sunny afternoons, but you’ll want a warm coat, gloves, and a hat if you’re heading into the mountains. Waterproof boots help if snow or slush shows up.
Don’t forget sun protection. Even in late November, the sun at higher elevations can burn you. Sunglasses and sunscreen come in handy for hikers and skiers.
If you’re driving, keep a small winter kit in your car. Toss in a blanket, flashlight, water, and snacks in case snow delays your trip. Sometimes, you’ll need chains or traction devices for mountain passes.
Impact of Weather on Holiday Plans
Weather can change travel and outdoor plans fast. Snow is most likely in the northern mountains and eastern high plains, where holiday storms sometimes drop several inches. Roads up there may get icy and slow down traffic.
Meanwhile, southern and central valleys usually stay dry with mild afternoons—good for hiking or sightseeing. But strong winds can show up before storms, reducing visibility and making driving tough.
Flights in and out of Albuquerque or Santa Fe might get delayed if storms roll through. If you’re planning to hike, check the local forecast—higher trails can get snowy and slick.
For outdoor gatherings, have a backup plan inside. Cold fronts can show up out of nowhere, dropping temps by 20 degrees in just a few hours. If you keep your plans flexible, your holiday should go smoothly, no matter what the weather does.
Historical Weather Data and Records
Thanksgiving weather in New Mexico swings between calm autumn days and sudden cold snaps. Records show both rare extremes and long-term trends in temperatures, precipitation, and snowfall that shape holiday travel and outdoor fun.
Notable Thanksgiving Weather Events
Thanksgiving weather in New Mexico really runs the gamut. Some years, the afternoons feel almost balmy, with highs in the 60s °F. Other times, winter storms sweep in and drop enough snow to stick around. Up north, places like Santa Fe and Taos sometimes wake up to Thanksgiving snow, though it’s never a sure thing.
Albuquerque has seen it all—sunny, dry holidays and those bone-chilling mornings when the thermometer dips into the 20s °F. Sometimes, the day warms up to near 50 °F by afternoon. Central and northern valleys have even picked up a few inches of snow on occasion, which really throws a wrench into travel plans.
Some years, the wind just won’t quit, with gusts topping 40 mph. That kind of wind can make any temperature feel way colder. Most Thanksgivings stay dry, but every now and then, a well-timed storm brings rain or snow to big chunks of the state.
Key extremes include:
- Warmest Thanksgivings: highs in the 70s °F in southern New Mexico
- Coldest mornings: lows in the teens °F in mountain valleys
- Snowiest events: measurable snow in northern counties, sometimes over 6 inches
Long-Term Weather Averages
Long-term averages show Thanksgiving in New Mexico usually starts with a chilly morning, then warms up a bit by afternoon. In Albuquerque, you’ll often see highs in the mid-50s °F and lows in the low 30s °F. Santa Fe tends to run a bit colder, with highs in the upper 40s °F and lows hovering around 25 °F.
Snow falls most often in the higher elevations. Taos and Los Alamos might pick up a dusting or two, but the desert stretches usually don’t see much of anything. Precipitation stays pretty low across the board, with most places getting less than 0.25 inches of rain or melted snow around Thanksgiving.
Down south in Las Cruces, things usually stay warmer and drier. Highs reach the low 60s °F and nights cool off to the upper 30s °F. Snow almost never shows up in these southern spots during late November.
Average Thanksgiving conditions by region:
| Location | Avg High °F | Avg Low °F | Precipitation | Snowfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | 55 | 32 | <0.25 in | Rare |
| Santa Fe | 48 | 25 | <0.30 in | Light |
| Taos | 46 | 20 | <0.35 in | Possible |
| Las Cruces | 62 | 38 | <0.15 in | None |
These numbers give you a ballpark idea, but honestly, the weather can surprise you any given year.
Comparison to Other Times of Year
Thanksgiving marks a real turning point for New Mexico’s weather. One day, it’s crisp and mild, and the next, you’re bundling up against the wind or watching a storm roll in.
Daytime can feel pleasant, but nights get colder and the wind picks up. This time of year feels different from deep winter or the blazing, stormy days of summer.
Thanksgiving Weather vs. Winter Months
Thanksgiving weather usually isn’t as harsh as what’s coming in December and January. Late November days often stay in the 50s °F, but once winter sets in, you’ll see colder afternoons and a lot more nights below freezing.
Snow can show up around Thanksgiving, especially up north or at higher elevations, but it doesn’t usually stick around like it does in January. By then, the mountains have piled up a good snowpack, and even the lower plateaus get more frost.
Sunlight makes a difference, too. Around Thanksgiving, you still get decent daylight and quite a few clear days. Once winter really gets going, the days shorten and that cold air just hangs around. The sun’s still strong, though, thanks to the elevation—so sunscreen isn’t a bad idea, even in late fall.
To sum it up: Thanksgiving brings cool, changeable weather—winter brings colder temps, more snow, and longer stretches of chill.
Differences from Monsoon and Summer Seasons
Thanksgiving weather just feels drier and steadier than what you get in summer. From June through August, Arizona really leans into its monsoon season—afternoon thunderstorms keep popping up, especially if you’re up in the mountains.
Rain pours down the most during those months. Some spots get over half their yearly rainfall in that short window.
But when Thanksgiving rolls around, you don’t usually have to worry about daily storms. Sure, you might get a gusty cold front or maybe a quick snowstorm, but heavy rain everywhere? Not so much.
Humidity drops way off compared to the sticky summer monsoon stretch.
Temperatures tell a different story too. Summer highs blast up past 95°F in the lowlands, but by late November, you’re looking at highs in the 50s or 60s °F.
Nights cool off fast, and the air turns crisp, not muggy.
Key contrast: Summer = hot, stormy, and humid, Thanksgiving = cooler, drier, and more up-and-down with the occasional early winter storm.