Does it snow in Las Cruces New Mexico? In New Mexico, you will see a combination of different climate conditions. And Las Cruces is no different.
The city is located in the state’s southeastern corner. Summers are usually quite hot in there, with a good amount of rain.
However, the city does have some chilly winter days, but the question arises: Is there snow in Las Cruces, New Mexico?
Let’s find out now!
The average annual snowfall in Las Cruces is 2-3 inches, but it rarely sees snow, with only a 2.5 percent chance each year.
More about Las Cruces and Its Climate
Las Cruces, nestled in New Mexico, USA, embodies a mid-latitude desert climate, as per the BWk category in the Köppen climate classification.
This setup comes from its geographical placement, ushering in a spectrum of climatic conditions from sweltering heat to sparse rainfall.
Here is the average temperature you are going to witness throughout the year:
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Avg Temp | 45°F | 50°F | 57°F | 65°F | 73°F | 82°F | 83°F | 81°F | 75°F | 65°F | 52°F | 44°F |
The climate in Las Cruces holds a wide temperature range over the year.
On an average scale, temperatures fluctuate between 32°F and 97°F, showcasing the variation from chilly to hot conditions the city experiences.
Average High and Low Temperatures in Las Cruces
Diving into specifics, the warmer part of the year stretches for about 3.7 months, from May 20 to September 11, with temperatures often climbing above 89°F.
July takes the cake as the warmest month, where the mercury typically hits an average high of 96°F and dips to a low of 71°F.
Conversely, the cooler season lasts for roughly 2.9 months, from November 20 to February 17, with temperatures usually staying below 65°F.
Here are the average high and low temperatures in Las Cruces, New Mexico:
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Avg Low | 33°F | 37°F | 43°F | 50°F | 58°F | 67°F | 71°F | 69°F | 63°F | 51°F | 40°F | 33°F |
| Avg High | 59°F | 65°F | 72°F | 80°F | 88°F | 96°F | 96°F | 93°F | 88°F | 79°F | 67°F | 58°F |
Fact: December has the coolest vibes, with the temperature gauge often showing an average low of 33°F and a high of 58°F.
Does It Snow in Las Cruces New Mexico?
Certainly, snowfall is not unusual in Las Cruces, New Mexico, especially in the city’s East and South areas. But, do not expect it to be a lot.
Even while the area does not stay consistently snowy, it does get quite a bit of snow each year.
With its moderate winters and occasional snowfall, the city is a fascinating travel destination for individuals who seek out changeable weather conditions.
How Often Does It Snow in Las Cruces New Mexico?
Las Cruces, New Mexico is in the middle of a desert, but guess what? It actually gets some snow sometimes, which is pretty surprising considering how dry it usually is.
The area usually gets about 2-3 inches of snow each year, but it can change.
The latest snowfall happened in March 2022, and they are saying it was about 3 to 5 inches deep.
The city’s biggest snowfall in one day ever was 6 inches! That happened on December 27, 2000.
Fact: The truth is that while snow is not always around, sometimes it shows up and gives the desert a cool wintery vibe.
When Can You Find Snow in Las Cruces?
Las Cruces, located in the southern part of New Mexico, does get some snow from time to time, even though it is usually pretty dry there.
Snow usually starts falling in early December and continues until late March.
In a regular year, the city gets about 2 inches of snow, but sometimes it is more or less. For example, in 2008-2009, the city got a lot more snow, like 5 to 10 inches.
How is Precipitation in Las Cruces?
In Las Cruces, New Mexico, precipitation patterns exhibit distinct seasonal variations.
A day is considered “wet” if it records at least 0.04 inches of liquid or its equivalent. The city’s wetter phase spans 2.6 months, from June 30 to September 18, during which there’s a greater than 16% likelihood of encountering a wet day.
The thing is that most of the precipitation in Las Cruces is in the form of rain. And as it gets more rain, the amount of snowfall is considerably less.
The Rainfall Months
August stands out as the wettest month, averaging 7.9 days of significant precipitation.
Conversely, the drier period extends for 9.4 months, from September 18 to June 30, with March typically being the driest, averaging just 1.1 wet days.
The types of precipitation also vary, categorized into rain, snow, or a mix of both.
As mentioned, rain is the predominant form, especially in August, which averages 7.9 days of rain alone. Thus, while Las Cruces is generally arid, it does experience bouts of moisture, primarily in the form of rain.
Fact: The apex of rain probability in Las Cruces, New Mexico occurs on August 3, with a 30% chance.
Winter Weather in Las Cruces
In Las Cruces, the winter season is a nice change from the usual warm weather.
The temperatures range from about 36.1°F to 53.6°F. Even though the period is usually dry, it still gets some snow.
In December, there is usually about 0.67 inches of snowfall.
During winter, the days get super short, with only about 10.1 to 11.1 hours of daylight. The city also gets around 7.1 to 7.3 hours of sunshine each day.
This season, being the coldest, makes Las Cruces have a different kind of weather, which is a big change from its usual dry atmosphere.
How Does Las Cruces Climate Compare to the Rest of the Country?
Situated in the Chihuahuan Desert, Las Cruces, NM 88007 enjoys temperate winters, where the mercury seldom plunges below the freezing point.
In stark contrast, the summers can be sweltering, with temperatures frequently soaring to around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The locale garners a modest annual precipitation of approximately 8 inches, predominantly concentrated in the summer season.
Wind conditions are generally mild to moderate, although sporadic strong gusts can manifest during thunderstorm episodes.
All in all, Las Cruces boasts a predominantly arid climate, punctuated by abundant sunshine year-round.
But here is how it compares to the rest of the country:
| Climate Average | United States | Las Cruces |
| Rainfall | 38.1 in. | 10.1 in. |
| Snowfall | 27.8 in. | 2.5 in. |
| Precipitation | 106.2 days | 44.9 days |
| Sunny | 205 days | 293 days |
| Avg. July High | 85.8° | 94.4° |
| Avg. Jan. Low | 21.7° | 24.8° |
| Elevation | 2443 ft. | 3910 ft. |
Factors Affecting Snowfall in Las Cruces, New Mexico
It is true that Las Cruces gets some snow throughout the year, but you should not expect a lot. Actually, many different factors contribute to the low snowfall in Las Cruces.
For instance:
Geographical Elevation
One reason why Las Cruces does not get much snow is because it is pretty high up, at around 3,907 feet above sea level.
Even though being higher up usually means it is colder and snows more, Las Cruces is different.
The way the land and weather work there make it not follow that pattern.
Atmospheric Conditions
The city’s weather is quite dry, which is why you do not get to see much snow.
Semi-arid climates usually do not get enough moisture for a lot of snow, so it is pretty rare to see it happen.
Seasonal Variability
Most of the rain in Las Cruces happens mainly from August to October, which is not a time when it snows much.
The winter season, on the other hand, is usually pretty dry, so it is less likely to snow.
The Best Time to Visit Las Cruces
If you are thinking about heading to Las Cruces, the best time to go is from March to May.
This time is all about nice weather during the day, with temperatures ranging from around 69.1°F to 76.3°F. Plus, there is not much rain happening.
Fact: The humidity levels during Match to May go back and forth between a nice 22% and 28%, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.
Takeaway
Does it snow in Las Cruces New Mexico? Yes, there is always a possibility that you will see some snow in Las Cruces, but do not expect it to be a lot.
Even though Las Cruces has a nice elevation, it still has a dry climate, making it harder for snow to fall throughout the year.
But, the good thing is that winters are quite mild, making it possible for you to enjoy a good winter vacation here.
