North Central New Mexico in November

April through June gives you perfect weather and wildflower blooms, but book early - this is peak season for a reason. Temperatures hit the 70s during the day and drop to the 40s at night. Perfect hiking weather. September and October might be even better. The aspen trees turn gold in the mountains, summer crowds thin out, and you get those crisp high desert mornings that make you want to move here permanently. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms that roll in around 2pm and clear by 4pm. The storms are spectacular to watch from a covered portal, but they'll cut your hiking short. July and August also mean Indian Market, Opera season, and hotel prices that'll make you wince. Winter is when locals reclaim their towns. Snow covers the Sangre de Cristo peaks, and Santa Fe looks like a Christmas card. But many pueblo sites close or have limited hours, and mountain roads can be tricky. The upside? Hotel rates drop by 40% and you'll have the galleries to yourself.