Best Time to Visit Red River, New Mexico: Complete Month-by-Month Guide
Red River, New Mexico is a year-round destination, but your experience can change dramatically depending on when you visit. This guide is designed to help you figure out “When should I visit Red River?” based on your specific priorities.
Whether you’re looking to avoid crowds and find a deal on a stay or spend your days skiing and hiking, we break down everything you need to know, month by month. With pros and cons listed, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and choose the best time for a Red River getaway.
Quick Verdict
Best Overall: June or September (weather + value + low crowds)
Best for Skiing: February (peak conditions)
Best Value: May or November (lowest prices but trade-offs)
Best for Families: July (warmest, most activities)
Worst Times: April (mud), May (rain), November (too cold for hiking, not enough snow for skiing)
Month | Weather | Crowds | Best For
January, Cold, snowy, Medium, Skiing, winter sports
February, Cold, snowy, High, Skiing, Valentine's
March, Variable, Medium, Spring skiing, value
April, Mud season, Low, Budget travelers
May, Cool, rainy, Low, Solitude seekers
June, Perfect, Low, Early summer, wildflowers
July, Warm, storms, High, Families, peak summer
August, Warm, storms, Medium, Summer activities
September, Beautiful, Low, Fall colors, best value
October, Cool, Low, Fall colors, quiet
November, Cold, variable, Low, Off-season, cheap
December, Cold, snowy, High (holidays, Christmas, New Year's
Winter in Red River (December - March)
December
December marks the official start of the winter season in Red River. The month starts with a relatively peaceful first two weeks, followed by an intense, festive surge of vacationers through Christmas and New Year’s.
Average temps: 15-35°F
Snowfall: Early season, variable
Crowds: Moderate except Christmas week (PACKED)
Activities: Early skiing, Christmas festivities, torchlight parades
Pros: Holiday magic, less crowded early December, ski season starts
Cons: Christmas week is expensive and booked solid, snow coverage can be thin early month
Who should visit: Holiday lovers, early-season skiers
January
January offers prime skiing in Red River. It’s also the perfect time to explore beyond the downhill slopes with activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The days are short, and this month typically has the lowest temperatures.
Average temps: 10-30°F (coldest month)
Snowfall: 25-30 inches (excellent)
Crowds: Quiet except MLK weekend
Activities: Prime skiing, snowshoeing, winter photography
Pros: Best snow conditions, post-holiday peace, good value mid-month
Cons: COLD, short days, MLK weekend busy
Who should visit: Serious skiers, cold-tolerant folks, value seekers
February
February has the best and most reliable snow quality in Red River’s winter season. This makes it the best month for skiing of the year.
Average temps: 15-35°F
Snowfall: Peak accumulation (30+ inches)
Crowds: Highest of winter (Presidents Day week insane)
Activities: BEST skiing month, Valentine's getaways, torchlight parades
Pros: Best snow quality, Valentine's romance, consistent conditions
Cons: Most expensive, most crowded, book 2+ months ahead
Who should visit: Advanced skiers wanting best conditions, couples for Valentine's
March
Red River is a popular spring break destination. The days are longer and starting to warm up slightly. This is the last month of ski season.
Average temps: 20-45°F (warming)
Snowfall: Variable, corn snow late month
Crowds: High during Spring Break, quiet otherwise
Activities: Spring skiing
Pros: Warmer temps, still good skiing, spring skiing is fun (t-shirt weather)
Cons: Spring Break crowds, snow quality declining, unpredictable weather
Who should visit: Families on Spring Break, skiers who hate cold
Winter Bottom Line
Come for skiing: December-March
Best snow: January-February
Best value: January (mid-month) or early March
Avoid if you hate cold: Come back in summer
Spring in Red River (April - May)
April
April is the definition of shoulder season in Red River. As winter activities wind down and summer recreation has yet to begin, the town enters a period known as "mud season."
Average temps: 30-55°F
Conditions: Mud season, snowmelt, unpredictable
Crowds: Very low (off-season)
Activities: Limited - too muddy for hiking, no more skiing, not quite summer
Pros: CHEAPEST month, total solitude, wildflowers starting low elevations
Cons: Muddy trails, many businesses closed, rain/snow mix, not much to do
Who should visit: Extreme budget travelers, solitude seekers, people who don't mind limitations
May
May is on the early side of summer, though it’s still early for high-elevation adventures. Fishing starts, and some hiking trails begin to dry and open up. Wildflowers are blooming for peak spring.
Average temps: 40-65°F
Conditions: Transitional, rainy, trails drying
Crowds: Very low
Activities: Some hiking accessible, fishing starts, too early for most
Pros: Low prices, spring beauty, fewer people, wildflowers blooming
Cons: Afternoon rain common, cold nights, many trails still muddy/snowy, limited open businesses
Who should visit: Budget travelers, spring flower enthusiasts, fishermen
Spring Bottom Line
A nice time for solitude: April
Good for those that are budget-focused: May
Summer in Red River (June - August)
June
June is one of our two favorite months to be in Red River. The weather is great, the mountains are open, and summer crowds haven’t hit their peak yet.
Average temps: 50-75°F (perfect!)
Conditions: Excellent - trails dry, wildflowers peak
Crowds: Low to moderate (before peak summer)
Activities: ALL summer activities available, hiking, biking, fishing, ATV trails
Pros: BEST WEATHER, wildflowers spectacular, uncrowded, all trails open, everything accessible
Cons: Few (maybe afternoon thunderstorms starting)
Who should visit: EVERYONE - families, couples, groups, hikers
July
Peak of Red River’s summer season. It’s the warmest time of year and full of activities, including the annual 4th of July parade down Main Street.
Average temps: 55-80°F (warmest, but comfortable)
Conditions: Peak summer, afternoon storms
Crowds: Highest of summer (especially 4th of July)
Pros: Warmest weather, longest days, most events, family-friendly, everything open
Cons: Most crowded, highest prices, afternoon thunderstorms predictable, 4th of July books months ahead
Who should visit: Families (school vacation), event-goers, those who want bustling atmosphere
August
August is another great summer month in Red River. Crowds start declining slightly, but the weather is still warm, and outdoor activities are still in full swing.
Average temps: 50-78°F
Conditions: Similar to July, slightly more storms
Crowds: Moderate (post-4th of July calm)
Activities: All summer activities, wildflowers fading but still nice
Pros: Still great weather, less crowded than July, lower prices than July, no major holiday crowds
Cons: Afternoon thunderstorms frequent (daily almost), slight decline from peak
Who should visit: Families, hikers, anyone wanting summer without July crowds
Summer Bottom Line
BEST OVERALL SEASON for most visitors
Best value + weather combo (highly recommended): June
Most festive but crowded and expensive: July
Fall in Red River (September - November)
September
Our favorite month in Red River. The temps start to cool, leaves start changing, and the crowds start calming down while remaining lively enough to keep the energy up. Great time for hiking as the trails look different each day with the leaves changing.
Average temps: 45-70°F
Conditions: SPECTACULAR - fall colors starting late month
Crowds: Low (post-summer lull)
Activities: Hiking peak season, biking, fishing, aspen viewing
Pros: FALL COLORS (late month), perfect temps, uncrowded, lower prices, crisp air, best photography month
Cons: Shorter days, afternoon storms still possible early month, some businesses start reducing hours
Who should visit: Photographers, hikers, couples, anyone wanting beauty + value
October
Fall colors peak early month before fading into a winter landscape. Crowds are gone, but many businesses reduce hours or close for the season. We enjoy this month for the solitude and spending longer days relaxing by the fire in our rental. We also notice an uptick in wildlife around town as the human crowds dissipate.
Average temps: 35-60°F (cooling significantly)
Conditions: Early October beautiful, late October risky (snow possible)
Crowds: Very low
Activities: Hiking (early month), fall colors peak early month, then fading
Pros: Fall colors (early month), great value, solitude, crisp mountain air
Cons: Cold nights, unpredictable weather, snow possible late month, many businesses close for season, short days
Who should visit: Hardcore fall color enthusiasts, budget travelers
November
November is the quietest month in Red River, serving as the cold bridge between the end of fall colors and the start of ski season. It has the most affordable rates, but it comes with the drawback of limited available activities. Another good option for those looking for peace and quiet – pack your board games!
Average temps: 25-45°F
Conditions: Winter arriving, inconsistent snow
Crowds: Lowest of year
Activities: Limited - too cold/snowy for hiking, not enough snow for skiing yet
Pros: Cheapest rates, complete solitude, Thanksgiving weekend can be nice
Cons: Too early for skiing, too late for hiking, cold, many businesses closed
Who should visit: Budget travelers, people who just want mountain cabin isolation
Fall Bottom Line
September = AMAZING (top 3 months to visit)
Early October = Beautiful (worth it)
Month-by-Month FAQs
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June or September. June offers wildflowers, perfect weather, and uncrowded trails. September delivers fall colors, crisp air, and great value. Both are top-tier.
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April. Mud season, trails closed, many businesses shut, weather unpredictable.
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April, May, and November are quiet. If you want solitude with better conditions, visit late September or early October.
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No. Ski season runs late November through late March (weather dependent). Peak conditions are January-February.
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June-July, with peak typically mid to late June at lower elevations, July at higher elevations.
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Late September, typically peaking around September 25-30. Early October still has color but past peak.
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It's cold (10-35°F while skiing), but if you dress properly, it's not unbearable. January is coldest. March is warmest winter month.
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July is busiest (especially 4th of July week!), but even "crowded" Red River is manageable compared to big resort towns. June and August are less busy.
Start Planning Your Perfect Red River Trip
Now that you know the best time to visit Red River for YOUR priorities, it's time to book. Our Main Street rentals put you in the heart of Red River year-round, with walking access to skiing in winter and trails in summer.
Whether you choose February for skiing, June for wildflower hikes, September for fall colors, or any month in between, our efficiency apartment and townhouse provide the perfect basecamp.
Ready to lock in your dates?
