During the summer, the temperature has a tendency to quickly cross the threshold from “perfectly warm” to “strap me to an AC unit.” Even with dry heat, there are times when you want to cool off. When that’s the case, take a drive to one of these seven New Mexico mountain towns to beat the heat! Here are seven places with the best weather in New Mexico:

1. Red River
Flickr/Wil C. Fry
Red River, NM, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Billy Hathorn
Red River sits at 8,671 feet above sea level and is surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Carson National Forest. During the hottest month, which is July, the temperature only averages 76.3 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can do plenty of hiking, horseback riding, and biking without overheating. However, that's still warm enough to make splashing around in the river enjoyable.
2. Cloudcroft
Wikimedia Commons/Edward Jackson
Cloudcroft, NM 88317, USA
Flickr/Jason Wolff
Cloudcroft perches 8,668 feet above sea level in the Sacramento Mountains and is encircled by the stunning Lincoln National Forest. During June, (the warmest month) the thermometer hovers at a very comfortable 73.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Taos
Flickr/Jenni Konrad
Taos, NM 87571, USA
Lochaven/Flickr
The town of Taos is 6,967 feet above sea level. During the warmest month of July, the temperature averages 85.6 degrees Fahrenheit. If that’s a little high for you, head up to Taos Ski Valley, which sits at an altitude of 9,321 feet, or go rafting down the Rio Grande.
4. Ruidoso
Jonathan Cutrer/Flickr

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Ruidoso, NM, USA
Flickr/Scott
Ruidoso is nestled in the Sierra Blanca Mountains at an elevation of 6,729 feet. It's a veritable paradise for outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. With average temperatures topping out at 81.5 degrees Fahrenheit in the hottest month (June), you may still be tempted to dip your toes into Rio Ruidoso. Alternatively, kick back with a glass of vino at Noisy Water Winery.
5. Truchas
WIkimedia Commons/Bobak Ha'Eri
Truchas, NM 87578, USA
Flickr/Krissa Corbett Cavouras
Truchas Peak dwarfs the tiny town of Truchas, which is at an altitude of 8,000 feet. In July, the average high is 75.2 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re looking for a combination of cooler weather, solitude, and breathtaking views, this is your spot for summer.
5. Raton
Flickr/Christopher
Raton, NM 87740, USA
Flickr/Anthony (Tony) Arvin
The town of Raton is just south of the Raton Range, at an altitude of 6,680 feet. In July, the average high is 83 degrees Fahrenheit. To cool off further, take the brief drive up Raton Pass or scout out Sugarite Canyon State Park. The 130-acre lake there is a great spot for boating (non-motorized).
7. Los Alamos
Flickr/biotour13
Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA
Flickr/Mark Kaletka
Los Alamos rests on top of the Pajarito Plateau at 7,320 feet and provides easy access to the Jemez Mountains, including Jemez Falls. The average monthly high is 81 degrees Fahrenheit in July.

Have you visited any of these towns in the summer? Do you love our small towns? Take a look at these small towns in New Mexico where everything is slow-paced.

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Best Weather in New Mexico

Tori Jane | June 21, 2022

What are some of the cutest mountain towns in New Mexico?  

When it comes to delightful mountain towns in New Mexico, we don’t think it gets a whole lot better than the little town of Taos. It’s easily one of the most beautiful New Mexico towns, with plenty of amazing things to do all year round no matter what you enjoy. In the winter, Taos becomes a wonderland filled with amazing snowy attractions like one of the best ski resorts in the United States. In the spring, the wildflowers of Taos are to die for, and in summer and fall, you’ll fall in love with the enchanting events and festivals in New Mexico, but especially in Taos. Taos is also home to some of the downright best hiking trails in New Mexico, and we’re certain you’ll find yourself yearning to return again and again.  

Where are all the best New Mexico mountain towns to visit?  

New Mexico might be a desert, but it’s got other landscapes, too, like plains and mountains. There are numerous New Mexico mountain towns you’re sure to love, like the above-mentioned Taos, but there are more too! Santa Fe might be considered a small city (or a large town), but it’s a mountain community all the same with world-class art shows, festivals, galleries, eateries, bakeries, and more to occupy your days with. Another wonderful mountain town in New Mexico is the wonderful Jemez Springs, a town based around natural hot springs that are known for their healing arts, shops, historic places and markers, and more. We also love Chimayo, which is just 35 miles from Santa Fe and makes for an excellent day trip in New Mexico.  

Which towns have the best climate in New Mexico? 

New Mexico is a beautiful state with tons of amazing places to live and visit. Of course, some cities in New Mexico tend to get a little hot during the summer, and others seem to get super cold during the winter. Some places are more prone to things like large hail or tornadoes, while others pose a risk of wildfire or even earthquakes. So, where can one find the best climate in New Mexico? You ought to seek out Carlsbad, a gorgeous small town in New Mexico with lots of natural wonders to go around and an amazing year-round climate that most folks find very pleasant. Typically, Carlsbad temperatures don’t climb above the mid/the upper 90s, and they don’t tend to plunge beneath 60 degrees, either. It rains enough. It’s lush, beautiful, and never terribly hot (though from time to time there will be a record-setter in there). It might just be paradise in New Mexico

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