Weather in White Sands

Planning your day in White Sands? Check out the latest weather information, forecasts, and useful charts right here to make your journey as comfortable as possible.

White Sands features a desert climate, characterized by significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year and minimal rainfall. The weather here is predominantly sunny and dry, making it an ideal place to visit at any time, provided you are prepared for temperature contrasts. Overall, you can expect four clearly defined seasons: from very hot summers to cool winters.

The summer months, especially from June to August, are very hot and arid. Daytime temperatures often rise above 30-35°C, so it is important to carry sun protection and plenty of water. Although July and August see a slight increase in rainy days, the total amount is insignificant. Winters, by contrast, are quite cool, especially at night when temperatures can drop close to zero. During the day, however, the weather remains comfortable and clear. Spring and autumn are transitional periods with the most pleasant and moderate temperatures, making them the ideal time to explore this unique landscape.

The climate in White Sands is characterized by significant temperature contrasts throughout the year and low rainfall. The weather here has distinct seasons, which is typical for a desert area. The hottest month is July, with an average temperature of around 28.6°C, while the coldest is January with an average temperature of 7.7°C. This wide annual temperature range requires travellers to carefully plan their wardrobe depending on the season of their visit.

The summer months, from June to August, are very hot and dry in White Sands. Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 30°C, and in June can reach 35°C. Nights bring some relief but remain warm, with minimums around 21-22°C. Winter, on the other hand, is quite mild during the day and cold at night. In December and January, daytime highs stay at a comfortable level of 14-15°C, but after sunset, the temperature drops sharply, falling to 1.5-3°C, which is close to the freezing point.

A key feature of the White Sands climate is the substantial diurnal temperature range. The difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows can easily reach 12-15°C in any month of the year. This means that even after a very warm day, the evening can be cool. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with rapid temperature rises and falls, offering pleasant weather for walks during the day, but maintaining cool nights. Visitors are advised to bring layered clothing to be ready for such changes.

White Sands is located in a desert climate zone, so precipitation here is a rare and scarce phenomenon throughout the year. The climate in this region of the USA is predominantly arid, with most months being absolutely dry. Nevertheless, a weakly defined wet season can be distinguished in the annual distribution of precipitation, which falls during the summer months.

The driest period is observed in spring and autumn. In April and May, as well as in November, the number of rainy days is minimal—averaging just one or two days per month, with total rainfall tending towards zero. Winter, including January and December, and early spring (March) are also practically devoid of precipitation. During these periods, the sky over White Sands is almost always clear.

A small spike in precipitation occurs at the end of summer, forming the so-called summer monsoon. August is the "wettest" month, but even then, only about 2 mm of precipitation falls. However, the frequency of rain noticeably increases: August counts an average of 9 rainy days, and July has 8. Usually, these are short and non-intensive showers. By September and October, precipitation activity decreases again, amounting to about 5 rainy days per month.

When preparing for a trip to White Sands, the main task is adapting to the sharp temperature changes and strong sun characteristic of the desert climate. The foundation of your wardrobe is the principle of layering. Regardless of the season, you will need high SPF sunscreen, quality sunglasses, and headwear, preferably a wide-brimmed hat. Comfortable closed shoes are also mandatory for moving comfortably on the sand. Don't forget to take lip balm and a water bottle to maintain hydration throughout the day.

Clothing choice depends directly on the season. In summer (May to September), bet on light, breathable clothing that covers the body from the sun, but don't forget a light jacket or sweater for cool evenings. In winter (November to March), days can be pleasant, but nights and mornings are very cold, with temperatures dropping to freezing. You will need a warm jacket, a fleece sweater, a hat, and gloves. Although rainfall in White Sands is minimal throughout the year, a light windbreaker will come in handy for protection against the wind, which can be quite strong in open areas.