Las Cruces in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Las Cruces

18°C (64°F) High Temp

1°C (34°F) Low Temp

12 mm (0.5 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with daytime temperatures of 15-18°C (59-64°F) and clear desert air - no summer heat exhaustion
Las Cruces Christmas events and luminarias season - December 23rd Luminaria Tour and Old Town Plaza festivities unique to this time
Organ Mountains get occasional snow caps creating impressive photography opportunities against desert backdrop
Lowest tourist season means uncrowded trails, easier restaurant reservations, and better hotel rates - 30-40% less expensive than summer

Considerations

Morning temperatures drop to 1-4°C (34-39°F) requiring multiple clothing layers and delaying early outdoor activities until 10am
Shorter daylight hours (9.5 hours) means hiking must start by 10am to finish before 5pm sunset
Desert wind chills can make temperatures feel 5-7°C (9-13°F) colder than actual temperature, especially around Organ Mountains

Best Activities in December

Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument Hiking

December offers ideal hiking conditions with cool mornings warming to pleasant afternoons. The Pine Canyon and Baylor Pass trails showcase winter desert beauty without summer's dangerous heat. Morning frost creates unique photography opportunities, and clear winter air provides exceptional views of the Mesilla Valley 1,200 m (3,900 ft) below.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking is free, but guided tours cost $45-75 per person. Book ranger-led programs 2 weeks ahead through the visitor center. Best hiking window is 10am-4pm when temperatures reach comfortable levels.

Mesilla Valley Wine Trail Tours

December is harvest completion season, meaning fresh wines and fewer crowds at local vineyards. Cool weather makes outdoor tastings comfortable, and many wineries offer holiday-themed events. The 20-minute drive between wineries is pleasant without summer heat.

Booking Tip: Wine tours typically cost $65-95 per person including transportation. Book weekend tours 10 days ahead. Weekday tastings often available as walk-ins with better pricing at $25-35 per tasting.

Historic Mesilla Plaza Cultural Exploration

December transforms Mesilla with Christmas decorations, luminarias preparation workshops, and holiday markets. The 1850s adobe buildings and boutique shops are comfortable to explore in cool weather, unlike scorching summer months. Local artisans demonstrate traditional crafts outdoors.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free. Guided historical tours cost $15-25 per person and run twice daily in December. Evening luminaria tours on December 23rd require advance booking and cost $20-30.

Rio Grande Bosque Nature Walks

Winter brings migratory birds to the cottonwood forests along the Rio Grande. December's cool temperatures make the 5 km (3.1 mile) trails comfortable for extended walking, and bare trees provide better wildlife viewing. Sandhill cranes and various raptors are most active in December.

Booking Tip: Free access to trails, but guided birding tours cost $35-50 per person. Binocular rentals available for $10/day. Best wildlife viewing is early morning 7-10am when temperatures are crisp but birds are active.

Hatch Green Chile Farm Tours

December is post-harvest season, perfect for learning about Chile processing and buying premium dried chiles. The 45-minute drive north offers beautiful winter desert scenery, and farm tours include tasting sessions best enjoyed in cool weather rather than summer heat.

Booking Tip: Farm tours cost $20-35 per person including tastings. Most farms offer tours by appointment in December. Combine with lunch at local Chile restaurants for a full cultural experience.

Dripping Springs Natural Area Exploration

December provides perfect conditions for the moderate 2.4 km (1.5 mile) hike to historic Dripping Springs resort ruins. Cool weather eliminates summer heat dangers, and occasional winter storms create dramatic cloud formations over the Organ Mountains.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is $5 per vehicle. No guides needed, but interpretive materials available at trailhead. Allow 3-4 hours for complete experience including ruins exploration and photography.

December Events & Festivals

December 23rd evening

Las Cruces Luminarias Tour

Traditional luminaria displays line streets and buildings throughout Las Cruces on December 23rd, creating a magical evening atmosphere. Local families prepare thousands of paper bag lanterns with candles, continuing a centuries-old southwestern tradition.

Weekends throughout December

Old Town Plaza Christmas Festival

Mesilla's historic plaza hosts weekend Christmas markets throughout December featuring local artisans, traditional foods, and live mariachi music. Adobe buildings decorated with traditional southwestern Christmas displays.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated hiking boots - desert trails can have ice patches at sunrise and temperatures start at 1°C (34°F)

Layering system with base layer, fleece, and windproof outer shell - temperature swings of 17°C (31°F) daily

Warm hat and gloves for early morning activities - desert wind chill drops perceived temperature significantly

SPF 30+ sunscreen - high desert altitude increases UV exposure even in winter with UV index of 5

Insulated water bottle - stays drinkable in cold morning temperatures and prevents freezing

Headlamp or flashlight - December sunset at 5:17pm means early darkness for evening activities

Lip balm and moisturizer - 45% humidity and desert air cause rapid skin dehydration

Waterproof jacket - December storms are brief but intense with potential for snow at higher elevations

Long pants for hiking - desert vegetation thorns and cool temperatures require leg protection

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - occasional ice on shaded trails and plaza stones in early morning

Insider Knowledge

Start outdoor activities at 10am when temperatures warm up - locals avoid early morning desert activities due to near-freezing conditions

December hotel rates are 40% lower than summer peak season, but book Las Cruces accommodations early for December 23rd luminarias weekend

Local restaurants serve seasonal specialties like posole and hot chocolate with Chile in December - comfort foods perfect for cool weather

Organ Mountains visitor center closes at 4pm in winter - get trail maps and information before heading out for afternoon hikes

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating morning cold - tourists arrive with only summer desert clothing and struggle with 1°C (34°F) early temperatures

Planning full-day outdoor activities without considering 5pm sunset - December daylight is limited to 9.5 hours

Assuming desert means hot weather year-round - Las Cruces winter requires genuine cold-weather preparation and layered clothing