You think you know the high desert. You're picturing a scene out of a Georgia O'Keeffe painting—bleached bones, sun-baked mud, maybe a lone cactus. Then you show up in Taos in late April and it’s a total whiteout. Or you visit in July, expecting a furnace, only to find yourself shivering on a patio because a monsoon just rolled through and dropped the temperature 30 degrees in twenty minutes.
Taos is a weird one. It’s sitting at nearly 7,000 feet on the mesa, while the mountains right next to it—the Sangre de Cristos—tower over 13,000 feet. This creates a vertical climate that breaks all the "desert" rules. If you're planning a trip, looking at Taos weather by month is basically the only way to avoid ending up in a T-shirt during a blizzard or a parka during a heatwave.
The High Desert Winter (January - March)
January is cold. Honestly, it’s the kind of cold that feels personal. The air is so thin and dry that it doesn't hold heat; once the sun slips behind the mesa, the mercury just falls off a cliff. We’re talking average lows of 12°F, but it's not rare to see it dip below zero.
In February, things start to shift. It’s still freezing, but you get those blindingly bright "bluebird" days where the sun is so intense you’ll want to peel off your layers even when it's technically 35 degrees out. This is prime time for the Taos Ski Valley. While the town might just have a light dusting, the mountain—about 20 miles away and 2,000 feet higher—is often getting slammed.
March is the "sneaky" month. People think spring is arriving. It’s not. March is actually the snowiest month in the mountains. It’s a messy transition. You’ll get a day of 50-degree warmth that melts everything into a slushy bog, followed by a foot of heavy, wet snow. If you’re visiting now, bring waterproof boots. Seriously.
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The "Windy" Spring (April - May)
Let’s talk about the wind. Nobody mentions the wind, but it’s the defining feature of Taos in April. As the plains to the east heat up and the mountains stay cold, the pressure difference creates these howling gusts that can rip the hat right off your head. It’s dusty. It’s erratic.
- April Average High: 60°F
- April Average Low: 29°F
By May, the lilacs start to bloom. It’s arguably the most beautiful time in town, even if the nights still have a bite. The runoff from the snowpack makes the Rio Grande roar, which is why May is the sweet spot for white-water rafting. You can literally ski in the morning at the Ski Valley and hit the rapids in the afternoon. It’s a wild contrast.
The Monsoon Summer (June - August)
June is your best bet for "traditional" vacation weather. It’s dry, sunny, and hits that perfect 80-degree mark. But then July hits, and the North American Monsoon kicks in.
This isn't a drizzle. It’s a theatrical event.
Around 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM, the clouds build up over the peaks. They turn a bruised purple. Then, the sky opens up. These storms are loud, fast, and drop a ton of water in a short burst. The best part? They kill the heat. After a July storm, the evening air smells like wet sage and cool pine. It’s the best scent on earth.
August is more of the same, but slightly cooler. If you’re hiking Wheeler Peak, you have to be off the summit by noon. Lightning is no joke at 13,000 feet.
The Golden Window (September - October)
If I’m being honest, September is the best month in Taos. Period. The monsoons taper off, the wind is gone, and the Aspens start turning. By late September, the mountains look like they’ve been dipped in 24-karat gold.
October is crisp. The first frost usually hits by the middle of the month, turning the cottonwoods along the river a deep burnt orange. It’s perfect "sweater weather." You’ll see highs in the low 60s, but as soon as the sun goes down, you’ll want a fireplace.
The Transition (November - December)
November is the "brown" month. The leaves are gone, the snow hasn't quite stuck yet, and the town gets quiet. It’s the shoulder season. If you want to save money on a rental and don't mind a bit of gray, this is your time.
December brings the magic back. Taos is famous for its holiday traditions—think farolitos (paper lanterns) lining the rooftops and bonfires at the Pueblo. It’s cold again, but it’s a festive cold.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- The 30-Degree Rule: No matter what the forecast says, assume the temperature will swing 30 to 40 degrees between day and night. Pack layers. Even in July, a light jacket is mandatory for outdoor dinners.
- Sun Protection: At 7,000 feet, the atmosphere is thin. You will burn in 15 minutes if you aren't careful, even when it’s cold. Wear a hat and high-SPF sunscreen.
- Hydrate for the Altitude: The dry air and elevation will dehydrate you before you feel thirsty. Drink twice as much water as you think you need to avoid "Taos headaches."
- Check the Mountain Cam: If you're going for snow, don't trust the town forecast. Check the Taos Ski Valley webcams to see what’s actually happening up top.
To make the most of your trip, pick your month based on your tolerance for "wild" weather. If you want stability, go in June or September. If you want the full, dramatic New Mexico experience, show up in July and wait for the thunder.