You’ve probably heard that the desert is always hot. Honestly, if you’re heading to southern New Mexico right now, that's a mistake that’ll leave you shivering by the Rio Grande.
Right now, the weather forecast for las cruces new mexico is doing that classic high-desert dance. It’s currently a crisp 39°F outside. Clear skies. Basically, it’s beautiful if you have a jacket, but the 33% humidity means that chill bites just a little sharper than the number suggests.
The wind is barely a whisper at 1 mph from the southeast. It’s quiet.
The Week Ahead: Sun with a Side of Shivers
If you’re planning your week, Saturday, January 17, is looking like a quintessential winter day here. We’re talking a high of 59°F. Sounds decent, right? But the low is going to bottom out at 28°F.
That’s a 31-degree swing.
In Las Cruces, we call that "diurnal range." High-elevation deserts like ours—sitting at nearly 4,000 feet—don’t hold onto heat. Once that sun dips behind the Organ Mountains, the temperature drops like a stone.
Here is the breakdown for the next few days:
- Sunday, Jan 18: Still sunny, high of 58°F, but the overnight low hits 26°F. Watch your outdoor pipes.
- Monday, Jan 19: Clouds move in. It'll be mostly cloudy with a high of 60°F and a low of 31°F.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Stays gray. High of 58°F. Interestingly, there's a 10% chance of a stray snowflake during the day.
What Nobody Tells You About Las Cruces Winters
Most people look at the weather forecast for las cruces new mexico and see "sunny" and think "t-shirt." Don't. Even with a UV index of 4 tomorrow, the 14 mph north wind is going to make that 59°F feel much cooler.
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Historically, January is our coldest month. While we usually hover in the mid-50s, the record low for this city is a bone-chilling -10°F, set back in 1962. We aren't seeing that this week, but it’s a reminder that the desert has teeth.
Rain is a rarity this time of year. We average about 0.4 inches for the whole month. You might see some "virga"—that's rain that evaporates before it even hits the ground—especially on Monday or Tuesday when the humidity is low.
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Real Talk on Dressing for the Forecast
Basically, you need layers.
I’m talking a light base, a sweater, and a wind-resistant shell. If you’re out hiking the Soledad Canyon or Dripping Springs, you’ll be peeling things off by noon and huddling back into them by 5:00 PM.
The air is dry. 22% humidity is expected tomorrow. You’ll feel it in your skin and your throat before you feel it in the temperature. Drink more water than you think you need.
Actionable Weather Prep for This Week
- Protect the "Three Ps": Pipes, plants, and pets. With lows hitting 26°F on Sunday night, any sensitive succulents need to be covered or brought inside.
- Wind Check: Saturday will be the gustiest day this weekend. If you have light patio furniture, maybe weigh it down.
- Skin Care: That 22% humidity is no joke. Use a heavy moisturizer and don't skip the SPF—even at 59°F, the high-altitude sun is intense.
- Evening Plans: If you're heading to Downtown Las Cruces for dinner, plan for the temperature to be in the low 40s by the time you leave the restaurant.
The weather forecast for las cruces new mexico shows a warming trend toward the end of next week, potentially hitting 63°F by Wednesday. Until then, enjoy the clear mountain views, but keep the heater ready.