Late summer · Weather & things to do
Santa Fe in August
Santa Fe edges cooler than July, with highs of 84°F (29°C), lows of 57°F (14°C) and about 2.0 in (50 mm) of rain.
August opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 85/100 (5th of 12).
- Avg high
- 84°F (29°C)
- Avg low
- 57°F (14°C)
- Rain
- 2.0 in (50 mm)
- Humidity
- 48%
- Cloud cover
- 50%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 21 min
- Comfort score
- 85/100 · Great
What August feels like
Days are warm, averaging 84°F (29°C), easy weather for being outside from morning to evening.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 57°F (14°C), about 15°C (27°F) below the afternoon high.
About 2.0 in (50 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's August.
Plan around August
August is one of Santa Fe's best months on the climate data.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, July – September.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: April & May and August – October.
- Comfort improves from 75/100 in July to 85/100.
- Our Northern New Mexico High Desert route recommends Mar – May, so August falls outside its suggested window.
- Our Santa Fe & Albuquerque route is planned for Mid-Dec – early Jan, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — August falls outside it.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 84°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 57°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Santa Fe in August
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Ski Santa Fe
Ski area 25 minutes above town with a base above 3,000 m and views over the desert from the top lifts.
Why now August scores 85/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Ten Thousand Waves
Japanese-style mountain spa with outdoor hot tubs among the pines; soaking while it snows is the classic winter visit.
Why now Highs near 84°F and 2.0 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Loretto Chapel
Gothic chapel known for its 'miraculous' spiral staircase.
New Mexico History Museum and Palace of the Governors
1610 adobe palace and adjoining museum covering New Mexico's history.
Bell Tower Bar at La Fonda
Rooftop bar atop La Fonda with sunset views over the city.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
The Shed
New Mexican restaurant since 1953 in a 1692 adobe off the Plaza.
Nearby in August
- Abiquiú in August~42 mi · highs 86°F, 2.1 in rain · 1°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Taos in August~54 mi · highs 83°F, 2.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Albuquerque in August~58 mi · highs 92°F, 1.7 in rain · 4°C (8°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Aspen in August~247 mi · highs 76°F, 1.8 in rain · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~1,972 m to Santa Fe's ~2,132 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Santa Fe in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Santa Fe?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 85/100. Expect highs of 84°F (29°C) and 2.0 in (50 mm) of rain. Our Northern New Mexico High Desert route recommends Mar – May, so August is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Santa Fe in August?
Average highs are 84°F (29°C) and average lows 57°F (14°C), making it the 3rd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Santa Fe in August?
Not much: about 2.0 in (50 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 13.3 in (338 mm).
What should I pack for Santa Fe in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 84°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 57°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Santa Fe in August?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.