For the best weather and fewer crowds, the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall). However, the best time to visit New Mexico depends entirely on your interests and what you want to experience. Between the Lincoln National Forest trails, fishing lakes, golf courses, and the lively resort town of Ruidoso, New Mexico offers something for everyone to enjoy any time of the year.
Whether you’re a nature lover, outdoors enthusiast, or simply a relaxation seeker, finding the best time to visit New Mexico is easy. Mescalero is a popular area in the American Southwest that affords panoramic mountain views and camera-worthy wildlife watching with loads of activities for families, couples, and friends, whether you’re on spring break, a summer vacation, taking a fall getaway, or enjoying a winter ski retreat.
Summer Vacations in New Mexico
Spring Outdoor Fun in New Mexico
Winter Trips to New Mexico
Consider winter the best time to visit Mescalero, New Mexico if you’re seeking an indoor resort vacation, a nature-inspired ski escape, or a little of both. Winter weather can be chilly in this region, but the southern location of this area within New Mexico keeps the cool temperatures manageable, and the crisp mountain air makes frosty days invigorating. Temperatures range from 25 degrees Fahrenheit (℉) to 45℉ most of December and January, with February temperatures beginning to rise slightly, averaging just under 50℉. This is the best time to ski in New Meixco.
Skiing is a top activity for winter visitors to New Mexico. Ski Apache is the best place to ski in New Mexico for beginners, intermediate skiers, and advanced riders. offers 11 lifts with beginner and expert slopes, plus bump runs, and a terrain park for any skier or snowboarder—lessons are available, too. Even if you don’t ski, this resort is worth a visit because it features New Mexico’s only eight-passenger gondola. The ride provides incredible views of the breathtaking landscape from the summit—nearly 12,000 feet.
When you’re ready to warm up, Inn of the Mountain Gods is a destination for winter travelers. Families and couples will find entertainment and dining options from upscale to casual. Adults love to try their luck at the casino slots and table games, or relax at the onsite spa, and guests of every age have fun competing at the Top Golf range and batting cages.
Complete your winter vacation in New Mexico by visiting the nearby resort town of Ruidoso. Discover art galleries, shopping, holiday events, wineries, and breweries to make your visit to Mescalero one of the best. The town will be festively decorated for the season, and the sleigh rides, ice skating, and other activities continue well after the holidays.
Summer Vacations in New Mexico
Warm summer temps in Mescalero, New Mexico make it the best time to vacation in the area and enjoy family fun at the lakes and more. June is the hottest, sunniest month, but you’ll find July and August also to be pleasant and warm, with the lows staying above 60℉ and highs remaining in the mid- to upper 70s.
Cool off in the clear, cool alpine reservoirs in Ruidoso at Grindstone and Alto Lakes, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake is open to all ages. The park features a floating inflatable platform with slides, trampolines, and climbing towers for summer entertainment at its best. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are also available for exploring the lakes at your own pace.
Other noteworthy reasons to visit New Mexico in the summer are its amusement parks. Visit Funtrackers in Ruidoso to ride go karts and bumper boats or play a round of mini golf. If the forecast calls for rain, which does occur in the summer, check out the YesterLanes, which offers a variety of indoor activities to keep the kids busy in any weather.
Spring Outdoor Fun in New Mexico
During the spring warm-up, Mescalero temperatures rise to 60℉ in March and climb up to 70℉ by May. These temperatures make spring the best time for nature lovers and anglers to travel to New Mexico for fishing and spectacular wildlife viewing. While these activities are available year ’round, the mild spring air makes your outdoor adventures enjoyable from dawn until dusk.
New Mexico offers a mix of freshwater reservoirs, mountain reserves, sparkling lakes, and winding rivers for anglers to try their luck fly fishing, bait-casting, or spin fishing. The Grindstone Reservoir, Alto Lake, Rio Ruidoso River, and Lake Mescalero at Inn of the Mountain Gods are stocked with trout, and Alto Lake has a kids’ catfish pond, too. Be aware of fishing regulations as you head out, as permits are required at most area lakes.
You’re likely to spot a wandering elk or diving osprey along the shores wherever you fish, but keep your camera ready to capture photos of black bear, deer, wild horses, and other magnificent creatures. Whether you venture to the trails or visit the viewing platform at Grindstone Lake, the spring thaw affords many unforgettable nature experiences.
Fall Activities in New Mexico
For anyone seeking comfortable moderate temperatures, the best time to visit Mescalero, New Mexico is in the fall. The temperatures hover between 55℉ and 70℉—an agreeable range for many travelers to enjoy a variety of area attractions.
The pleasant fall weather makes New Mexico a golfer’s paradise. Schedule your tee time at the 18-hole Inn of the Mountain Gods Championship Golf Course to play the fast-breaking greens and give yourself a challenge. Continue your fun at Cree Meadows or The Links at Sierra Blanca, which also offer outstanding play and can transform any fall vacation into a golf getaway.
Hiking and exploring popular lake trails are favorite fall activities for the Mescalero visitor this time of year. The Grindstone Lake system features five trails totaling 18 miles that are open to mountain biking and hiking in New Mexico. These easy and moderate paths suit a family seeking a relaxed adventure or an experienced trail runner looking to break a sweat. During your time outdoors, you’ll be able to catch some of the best New Mexico fall foliage.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Time to Visit New Mexico
Looking for more information about the best time to visit New Mexico? Get the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What are the Best Months to Visit New Mexico?
For the best weather, the best months to visit New Mexico are September through October and April through May. During these shoulder months, average temperatures range from the 50s to 70s Fahrenheit. Crowds are also smaller during these times, so you can enjoy New Mexico’s many attractions without the hustle and bustle of peak season.
What is the Prettiest Part of New Mexico?
Mescalero, New Mexico is a beautiful area located in the southern part of the state, near Lincoln National Forest. It is home to the Mescalero Apache people and reservation. The surrounding mountains offer stunning views and Mescalero Lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and camping located adjacent to Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino.
Every season has something to offer travelers who venture to Mescalero, New Mexico. When you book your stay at Inn of the Mountain Gods, you’ll find many attractive onsite amenities, plus the convenient Ruidoso location is near all of the best things the area has to offer. Whether you’re into skiing, swimming, hiking, golfing, or relaxing, your Mescalero vacation destination awaits!