Early winter · Weather & things to do
Taos in December
This is the coldest month in Taos: highs average 40°F (5°C) and lows 19°F (-7°C), with about 1.3 in (32 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 53/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 40°F (5°C)
- Avg low
- 19°F (-7°C)
- Rain or snow
- 1.3 in (32 mm)
- Humidity
- 67%
- Cloud cover
- 50%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 32 min
- Comfort score
- 53/100 · Fair
What December feels like
Highs only reach about 40°F (5°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 19°F (-7°C), so expect frost and ice.
About 1.3 in (32 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April – June and August – October.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 32 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 74/100 in November to 53/100.
- Our Northern New Mexico High Desert route recommends Mar – May, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 19°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Taos in December
With highs near 40°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Harwood Museum of Art
Art of the Taos Society and Agnes Martin's octagonal gallery.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 40°F.
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
Steel bridge 650 feet above the Rio Grande, among the highest in the US.
Michael's Kitchen
Diner and bakery known for big New Mexican breakfasts.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 40°F.
Adobe Bar at the Taos Inn
'Living room of Taos' with margaritas and live music most nights.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Williams Lake Trail
Alpine hike from Taos Ski Valley to a lake below Wheeler Peak.
Nearby in December
- Abiquiú in December~44 mi · highs 43°F, 1.2 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Santa Fe in December~54 mi · highs 40°F, 0.9 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Albuquerque in December~110 mi · highs 48°F, 0.7 in rain or snow · 5°C (8°F) warmer by day, drier
- Aspen in December~204 mi · highs 30°F, 2.0 in rain or snow · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~2,463 m to Taos's ~2,124 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.
Taos in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Taos?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 53/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are April – June and August – October. Expect highs of 40°F (5°C) and 1.3 in (32 mm) of rain or snow. Our Northern New Mexico High Desert route recommends Mar – May, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Taos in December?
Average highs are 40°F (5°C) and average lows 19°F (-7°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Taos in December?
Not much: about 1.3 in (32 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 16.8 in (427 mm).
What should I pack for Taos in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 19°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Taos in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.