Carlsbad Caverns National Park guide · 1 min read
Chihuahuan Desert Heat and Monsoon Season
The park sits in the Chihuahuan Desert in southeast New Mexico, and most days the sky is a clear, deep blue with very few clouds.
Visitors can expect 278 sunny days a year.
Summers are hot, with temperatures from 90 degrees into the low 100s. On hot days, take care when you are outside. Rain comes most often in late summer and early fall, during August and September.
Pack ample water for any hot-weather hike, and keep a phone with you, as service tends to be patchy out in the backcountry. Beginning your hike early, putting on sunscreen, and covering your head with a hat all make a difference. For a shorter outing, the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail is a 0.7-mile loop with signs identifying local plants, and its upper section is wheelchair accessible.
Expect wind and comfortable temperatures in spring, generally March through May. In winter, cold weather arrives, along with the occasional snowfall and icy patches.
Down in the cave, temperatures hold near 56 degrees all year, a welcome change from the surface heat. Bring a layer such as a sweater or a light jacket, since the air can feel cool even when you feel comfortable at the entrance.
