New Mexico is a wonderful state to visit. Whether you’re drawn to the capital at Santa Fe or would prefer to see natural wonders like White Sands National Park, you’ll find that the dry and temperate climate keeps things generally comfortable year-round.
With that being said, there are a few challenges when you visit New Mexico in March. Here’s what you should know before making your journey to the Land of Enchantment.
Things to Know Before You Visit New Mexico in March
1. Wind Speeds are High!
The windiest time of the year in New Mexico falls in spring. Most people would agree that April and May are the windiest months — and even the National Weather service concurs — but March isn’t far behind.
These high wind speeds aren’t very fun when you combine them with the sand and dust that New Mexico is known for. Just this year, high winds in the eastern portions of New Mexico led to power outages, made areas like the road between Clovis and Portales hazardous, and even caused a semi truck to flip on its side near Amarillo early in March.
These powerful gusts reach throughout the state, and even residents in far-north, mountain-shielded Albuquerque saw wind speeds reaching as high as 61 miles-per-hour during March. It’s safe to say that visiting now exposes you to some hazardous conditions — and if you’re looking for an Instagrammable trip, there’s a big risk that the wind might ruin your ‘do.
2. Temperatures Vary Wildly
You’re probably picturing your vacation as having wonderful warm weather (ideal for those Gulf of Mexico beaches) or days just cool enough that exploring town is comfortable. If you’re visiting New Mexico in March, it’s hard to predict what temperatures you’ll actually be exposed to.
These temperature ranges persist throughout the state. You may see days reaching the high 70s or 80s through part of the week, and then deal with highs as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit later in the week. When you combine that with an unknown wind chill, it makes planning appropriately for the weather near-impossible.
3. Allergies Galore
Last but not least, one of the worst things you’ll need to consider if you visit New Mexico in March is that allergies are terrible — and the wind certainly doesn’t help. We begin to see the first blooms throughout the state in March, but the presence of many allergenic plants like Cottonwood mean that spring blooms are never particularly joyous.
You might fare well on your trip if you take your antihistamines regularly. But if you’re planning to really enjoy your trip to New Mexico, you’re better off arriving a month before the blooms in February or waiting for predictable weather to arrive in July.
Should I Visit New Mexico in March?
This article isn’t meant to be discouraging. New Mexico is a wonderful state, and there’s plenty that you’ll enjoy no matter where you visit. It’s called the Land of Enchantment for a reason, and the national attention that the state has gained through programs like Breaking Bad is well-earned.
But if you’re going to take the time and spend your money spending New Mexico, you’re better off visiting during the winter, autumn, or summer. Avoid spring blooms and the monsoon season, and build an itinerary in advance so you can make the best of your enchanting destination.
