Taos

New Mexico Weather in December

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in New Mexico, the United States of America in December.

Thinking about venturing to New Mexico, the United States of America this December and curious about the weather conditions to expect? This page holds all the key information you seek, responding to your question:

What to Expect in New Mexico in December

New Mexico, the United States of America is a region in the United States of America. The weather in New Mexico in December can be quite varied, with temperatures that range from very cold to mild and precipitation levels ranging from low to moderate. The month of December is in the winter season.

Temperatures

Based on our climate data spanning from 1990-2020, the average maximum temperature is very cold in Taos Ski Valley at -1°C (30°F) to mild in Carlsbad at 14°C (57°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to -2°C (28°F) in Carlsbad and -10°C (14°F) in Taos Ski Valley. In general, this month stands out as the coldest period throughout the year. Given the lower temperatures, it's essential to be well-prepared. Packing the right winter clothing and necessary accessories can make a significant difference in ensuring your comfort and well-being during this chilly season.

For specific regional insights in New Mexico, the United States of America, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In December, precipitation varies across different areas. From low snow/rainfall in Deming with an average of 14 mm (0.6 in) to moderate snow/rainfall in Taos Ski Valley with 93 mm (3.7 in).

Explore New Mexico by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in New Mexico — and find the best time to visit. (based on Taos)

Best Places to Visit in New Mexico in December

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across New Mexico.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in New Mexico

What is the weather like in December for some of the most popular destinations in New Mexico, the United States of America?

Temperature range in New Mexico (December)

Precipitation variation in New Mexico (December)

Taos

In December Taos generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 5°C (41°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -11°C (12°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
12°C (54°F)
5°C (41°F)
5°C (41°F)
Min temperature
-6°C (21°F)
-11°C (12°F)
-12°C (10°F)
Monthly snow/rainfall
19 mm (0.7 in)
32 mm (1.3 in)
17 mm (0.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
5 days
10 days
6 days
Weather conditions

Raton

In December Raton generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 7°C (45°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -7°C (19°F) and low monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
13°C (55°F)
7°C (45°F)
8°C (46°F)
Min temperature
-4°C (25°F)
-7°C (19°F)
-8°C (18°F)
Monthly snow/rainfall
11 mm (0.4 in)
19 mm (0.7 in)
8.3 mm (0.3 in)
Monthly rainy days
3 days
6 days
4 days
Weather conditions

Clayton

In December Clayton generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 9°C (48°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -6°C (21°F) and low monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
16°C (61°F)
9°C (48°F)
10°C (50°F)
Min temperature
-1°C (30°F)
-6°C (21°F)
-6°C (21°F)
Monthly snow/rainfall
6.9 mm (0.3 in)
19 mm (0.7 in)
6.5 mm (0.3 in)
Monthly rainy days
3 days
4 days
3 days
Weather conditions

Albuquerque

In December Albuquerque generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 9°C (48°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -5°C (23°F) and low monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
16°C (61°F)
9°C (48°F)
10°C (50°F)
Min temperature
-1°C (30°F)
-5°C (23°F)
-6°C (21°F)
Monthly sun hours
233 hours
223 hours
234 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
6.3 mm (0.2 in)
23 mm (0.9 in)
6.3 mm (0.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
3 days
5 days
3 days
Weather conditions

Santa Fe

In December Santa Fe generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 5°C (41°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -7°C (19°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
12°C (54°F)
5°C (41°F)
6°C (43°F)
Min temperature
-3°C (27°F)
-7°C (19°F)
-8°C (18°F)
Monthly sun hours
231 hours
221 hours
228 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
17 mm (0.7 in)
36 mm (1.4 in)
14 mm (0.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
4 days
8 days
4 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in New Mexico, in the United States of America.

Popular cities in December

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in New Mexico in December.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Taos 5°C (41°F) -11°C (12°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Raton 7°C (45°F) -7°C (19°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Clayton 9°C (48°F) -6°C (21°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Albuquerque 9°C (48°F) -5°C (23°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Santa Fe 5°C (41°F) -7°C (19°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Angel Fire 2°C (36°F) -11°C (12°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)

New Mexico weather in December: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in New Mexico, the United States of America in December?

December in New Mexico, the United States of America brings poor weather. In Taos, daytime temperatures are typically around 5°C (41°F) and nighttime lows hover near -11°C (12°F).

What is the average temperature in New Mexico, the United States of America in December?

Taos averages a daytime maximum of 5°C (41°F) in December, with overnight lows close to -11°C (12°F).

Does New Mexico, the United States of America get a lot of snow/rain in December?

Rain is generally moderate to light in New Mexico, the United States of America during December, with Taos averaging close to 32 mm (1.3 in).

Is December a Good Time to Visit New Mexico, the United States of America?

Given the typically poor weather conditions in Taos, December may not be the ideal time to visit New Mexico, the United States of America.

On average, the best time to visit New Mexico, the United States of America is in May, June, July, August and September with generally perfect weather in Taos. In contrast, December tends to have poor weather conditions.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in New Mexico.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to the United States of America? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in the United States of America.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.