When you think of New Mexico, you probably imagine a landscape of dry desert, with adobe houses and cowboys riding through the sand. But what you may not know is that New Mexico has a lot to offer beyond its western image—it’s also a great place to take your family on spring break!

The natural beauty of the state is one of the biggest draws for families looking to escape the harsh winters back home. You can visit Santa Fe, which is home to some of the oldest buildings in America, including the Palace of Governors and the San Miguel Mission Church. The city has plenty of museums and galleries where you can spend hours exploring Native American art and history.

If you’re looking for something more rugged, consider taking your family on an adventure in White Sands National Monument. This national park boasts over 400 square miles of sand dunes that are perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, try renting a dune buggy!

For those who prefer their adventures indoors, there are plenty of museums in Albuquerque that offer interactive exhibits about everything from dinosaurs to space travel. And don’t forget about all those delicious Mexican restaurants!

New mexico vacation in february

When northern states experience harsh, cold temperatures in February, many places in central and southern New Mexico experience milder weather. Many snowbirds take advantage of this climate and head south of Albuquerque to cities like Truth or Consequences and Las Cruces, where they enjoy a warmer, low desert environment with pleasant temperatures, outdoorsy destinations and rich local history.

Hot Springs Resort Getaways Near Albuquerque

The small community of Truth or Consequences is located about one hour south of Albuquerque on Interstate 25. Known as “T or C” by New Mexicans, this small resort town enjoys February temperatures that range in the high 60s Fahrenheit to the low 30s at night. Downtown T or C features an up-and-coming creative arts community with a lively gallery scene but is best known for its array of mineral bath spas. The city is home to about seven mineral spa resorts that enable spa aficionados to experience hot-water baths that lack the typical sulfur smell found in most hot springs. Accommodations range from hotel-style lodging to camping at nearby Elephant Butte State Park.

Experience the Old West in the Southwest

The southwestern corner of New Mexico is a high desert region with a colorful history that includes ties to legendary Old West characters such as Billy the Kid. Begin your February New Mexico vacation at Silver City, n historic mining town with a thriving downtown area filled with art galleries, restaurants and boutiques. Several independently owned hotels are in the downtown area, including many in renovated turn-of-the-century buildings. Silver City is a good jumping off point for trips into the Gila National Forest, where you can explore ancient Native American ruins at the Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument, natural hot springs and the Mogollón and Chloride ghost towns. Be sure to visit the town of Hatch, best known for growing the most flavorful green chiles in North America. February climate in this region varies from low desert heat to cool alpine temperatures; a few hundred feet of elevation change can have a major effect on the weather.

Off the Beaten Path in Southeastern New Mexico

In rural southeastern New Mexico, you’ll find some of the warmest February temperatures in the state, along with world-famous attractions such as Carlsbad Caverns National Park, White Sands National Monument and the UFO stronghold of Roswell, a small town reported to have been a landing site for alien visitors during the late 1940s. Allow yourself plenty of time to experience all that this vast, open area has to offer since major attractions are located great distances apart. The biggest variety of lodging can be found in Alamogordo and Roswell. Although February temperatures are similar for all of these destinations, Carlsbad has the warmest weather, with an average high of 64 degrees.

Southern New Mexico: Enjoy Public Lands

While February is an unlikely month to go RVing in most areas of the country, in New Mexico it’s an ideal time of year. February temperatures are warming up enough to be pleasant but not too hot, and the legendary New Mexico spring winds haven’t yet begun to take hold on the countryside. Stick to the southern part of the state, however, since this area of New Mexico has thousands of acres of public lands, many of which offer affordable camping in scenic areas such as Rockhound State Park, located near Demming.

Climate in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Climate in Albuquerque, New Mexico (Photo: )

Albuquerque, New Mexico, beckons travelers year-round with its mild climate. The Sun Belt city enjoys 310 days of sunshine per year. With low humidity, averaging around 44 percent, and a minimal rainfall of 9 inches per year, Albuquerque is dry and hot in the summer. The lack of humidity keeps the winters mild, allowing travelers to enjoy outdoor events and activities all year. Because the weather is so dry, be sure to drink plenty of water when you’re visiting Albuquerque to reduce your risk of becoming hydrated.

Spring

Spring in Albuquerque starts out cool and dry, with daytime temperatures in March topping out at about 61 degrees Fahrenheit. Nighttime temperatures in early spring hover right around freezing. By May, the average daily high in Albuquerque hits a warm 79 degrees, while overnight temperatures dip just down to 50 degrees. More than 70 percent of spring days in Albuquerque feature plenty of sunshine. The town averages a little over a half-inch of rain per month in spring.

Summer

Albuquerque’s summer can be quite hot and dry, but it’s the season that attracts the most tourists, notes Fodor’s. June through August are especially hot, with daily high temperatures averaging between 89 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit. Sunshine is abundant in June and July, but August brings the rainiest month of the year in Albuquerque. Average rainfall in July reaches 1.27 inches, with 1.75 inches of rain falling in a typical August.

Fall

Fodor’s suggests that the fall is the best time to visit Albuquerque. Average daily temperatures in September reach up to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, but by October and November, the daily highs dip to 71 and 57, respectively. There is plenty of sunshine in Albuquerque in the fall: About 87 percent of November days are sun-filled. September and October each see about 1 inch of rain, while just over a half-inch of rain typically falls in November.

Winter

Snow is a rare sight within the Albuquerque city limits. When snow does fall, it usually melts before it can accumulate. Snow-seeking visitors have easy access to the nearby Sandia Mountains, where annual snowfall reaches around 111 inches. In the city, average daily high temperatures range between 48 and 53 degrees Fahrenheit in December, January and February. Winter days in Albuquerque are still largely sunny, with less than a half-inch of rain falling each month.