Weather in Las Cruces

Find out what weather awaits you in the city of Las Cruces right now. Check the current readings and forecasts below to comfortably plan your walks and excursions.

The climate of Las Cruces can be described as arid and desert-like, which is typical for the US Southwest. The city is famous for its abundance of sunny days per year and low air humidity, thanks to which even high temperatures are tolerated here relatively easily. A characteristic feature of the local weather is noticeable temperature fluctuations: a hot day is often followed by a cool, refreshing night.

The seasons here are quite clearly defined, but without extreme cold. Summer is hot and long, with daily highs around 35°C in June and July. Winter is mild and short: in January and December, the air warms up to an average of 14–15°C during the day, although nights can be cold. Spring and autumn are considered the most comfortable periods for travel, offering pleasant warmth without exhausting heat.

Precipitation in this region is an infrequent phenomenon, and dry weather prevails for most of the year. However, data indicates a slight increase in humidity in the middle and end of summer: July and August stand out with the highest number of rainy days (up to 7 days a month). In other months, especially in spring, rains are extremely rare, which creates excellent conditions for planning excursions and outdoor activities.

The climate in Las Cruces is characterised by clearly defined seasons and a noticeable annual temperature range. The hottest period here is summer, especially June and July, when average daily highs reach 35°C. January is traditionally considered the coldest month: the average temperature hovers around 7.9°C, and night-time readings drop to 1.4°C, which requires warm clothing for evening walks.

Summer months bring real heat. Starting from May until September, daytime temperatures confidently exceed the 30°C mark. Winter here is quite mild and pleasant: even in December and February, the air warms up to a comfortable 14-16°C during the day, allowing you to actively explore the city and its surroundings while avoiding the severe frosts characteristic of more northern regions of the USA.

Travellers should take into account significant temperature fluctuations throughout the day, typical for this region. The difference between the daily maximum and night-time minimum often amounts to 13–14 degrees. For example, in April, a warm day (around 26°C) is followed by a cool night (around 11°C), and in October, daytime 25°C gives way to night-time 12°C. Therefore, layering clothes will be the best choice for a comfortable stay in Las Cruces.

The climate of Las Cruces is typical for a desert area: sunny and dry weather prevails here, and significant precipitation falls quite rarely. For most of the year, especially in winter and spring, rains are practically absent. The driest months are April and May, when on average only one day with precipitation is recorded for the entire month.

The situation changes in the second half of summer when the monsoon season arrives in the region. The period from July to August is considered the wettest time of the year: the number of rainy days increases to seven per month. Usually, these are short-term but intense summer downpours that bring freshness and are quickly replaced by bright sun.

By the beginning of autumn, the frequency of precipitation gradually decreases: in September and October, there are about four rainy days. In winter, despite cool nights, humidity remains low. Snow in Las Cruces falls infrequently, as the winter months (January, February, December) are characterised by minimal precipitation. Travellers should remember that an umbrella is useful here much less often than sunglasses.

Las Cruces welcomes travellers with sunny weather for most of the year, so the main item on your list should be reliable sun protection. Be sure to bring quality sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and high SPF cream, especially if you plan a trip in summer when daytime temperatures often exceed 30°C. For the hot season, loose-fitting clothing made of light natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen, is ideal, allowing the skin to breathe and protecting against overheating.

Given the region's desert climate, noticeable daily temperature fluctuations are characteristic here, so the principle of layering will be the best strategy when packing your suitcase. In winter and the off-season, nights can be quite cold (temperatures drop to 1-3°C), although during the day the air often warms up to a comfortable 15-20°C. We recommend taking a fleece jacket, a thick sweatshirt, or a windbreaker that can be easily thrown on in the evening and taken off during the day. Also, do not forget comfortable and durable footwear, as the terrain is suitable for long walks.

Although precipitation falls rarely in this region, the number of rainy days increases slightly in July and August, so a light raincoat or compact umbrella may prove useful specifically during this period. Since the air in Las Cruces is quite dry all year round, tourists should take care of moisturising skin products and lip balm. In addition, be sure to bring a reusable water bottle to maintain water balance during excursions under the bright New Mexico sun.