Las Cruces in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Las Cruces

15°C (59°F) High Temp

0°C (32°F) Low Temp

8 mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

42% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with comfortable daytime temperatures of 12-15°C (54-59°F) and crystal-clear skies 90% of the time
impressive desert sunsets with no humidity haze - golden hour photography is exceptional against the Organ Mountains backdrop
Chile harvest season brings fresh roasted Hatch green chiles to local restaurants and markets at peak flavor
Minimal crowds at Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument - you'll often have trails completely to yourself on weekdays

Considerations

Early morning temperatures can drop to freezing, requiring layered clothing that gets cumbersome as the day warms up
Some higher elevation trails (above 1,500m/4,900ft) may have ice patches until 10am, limiting early hiking options
Many outdoor dining patios close by 8pm due to rapid temperature drops after sunset - plan dinner reservations accordingly

Best Activities in January

Organ Mountains Desert Hiking

January offers the best hiking conditions of the entire year with comfortable temperatures and zero chance of summer heat exhaustion. The Baylor Pass and Pine Canyon trails are particularly impressive with possible snow caps on the peaks creating dramatic contrast against the desert floor. Wildlife is most active during cooler months, increasing chances of spotting roadrunners and desert bighorn sheep.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for most trails. Start between 9-10am when frost clears but before afternoon winds pick up around 2pm. Parking fills up at Dripping Springs by 11am on weekends. Entry fees are $5 per vehicle for 7 days.

Mesilla Valley Wine Trail Tours

January is harvest-adjacent tasting season when wineries feature their newest releases alongside established vintages. The crisp weather makes vineyard walking tours comfortable, and many venues offer heated tasting rooms with panoramic views of the snow-dusted mountains. Local wineries often pair tastings with green Chile-infused appetizers during winter months.

Booking Tip: Book weekend tastings 5-7 days ahead as many wineries reduce winter hours to Thursday-Sunday only. Tours typically cost $25-45 per person including 4-5 tastings. Designated driver services available through local operators for $80-120 per group.

Historic Mesilla Plaza Cultural Walks

January's mild weather makes exploring the 1850s plaza ideal - no summer heat forcing you to seek shade every 15 minutes. The winter light creates perfect conditions for photographing the historic adobe architecture. Local artisan shops stay open later during winter months, and weekend mariachi performances continue on the gazebo despite cooler temperatures.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks are free with maps available at visitor center (open 9am-5pm daily). Guided historical tours cost $15-25 per person and run Saturday-Sunday at 10am and 2pm. Book through the Las Cruces CVB or show up 15 minutes early.

Rio Grande Bosque Nature Walks

Winter is prime birding season in the bosque with migratory species joining year-round residents. The cottonwood trees create dramatic bare-branch silhouettes against winter skies, and the lack of leaves provides clearer wildlife viewing. Temperatures are perfect for the 3.2 km (2-mile) loop trail without overheating or dealing with summer mosquitoes.

Booking Tip: Free access dawn to dusk. Best wildlife viewing is 7-9am and 4-6pm. Guided nature walks available through Audubon Society on first Saturday of each month at 8am, no advance registration required. Bring binoculars or rent from visitor center for $5.

Green Chile Farm Tours and Roasting

January features stored Chile from the October harvest being roasted fresh daily at local farms and markets. The cooler weather makes standing near roasting fires comfortable rather than unbearable. This is when locals stock up for the year, so you'll experience authentic Chile culture rather than tourist-focused activities.

Booking Tip: Visit Hatch Chile Store or local farmers markets (Saturday downtown 8am-12pm, Wednesday Mesilla 4-7pm). Farm tours typically cost $10-15 per person and include tastings. Call ahead as winter tours depend on roasting schedules and require minimum 4 people.

Stargazing at Tombaugh Observatory

January offers some of the clearest skies of the year with minimal atmospheric moisture and stable air masses. The high desert location at 1,200m (3,900ft) elevation provides exceptional visibility, and winter constellations like Orion are perfectly positioned. Cold temperatures mean less thermal interference for telescope viewing.

Booking Tip: Public viewing nights every Friday and Saturday 7-9pm, weather permitting. Admission is $5 adults, $3 students. Arrive by 6:45pm as sessions start promptly. Private group sessions available for $150-200 per group of up to 15 people, book 2 weeks ahead.

January Events & Festivals

Third weekend in January

Las Cruces Winter Wine Festival

Annual celebration featuring 12+ local wineries with tastings, live music, and green Chile-paired appetizers. The outdoor event benefits from January's perfect weather - warm enough to enjoy but cool enough that wine doesn't get overheated. Features educational sessions on desert viticulture.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated hiking boots - morning trails can have frost until 9-10am, especially above 1,400m (4,600ft) elevation

Layering system: thermal base layer, fleece mid-layer, lightweight windbreaker - temperature swings 15°C (27°F) daily

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 6 even in winter, and desert reflection intensifies exposure

Warm hat and gloves for early morning activities - temperatures drop to freezing overnight

Polarized sunglasses - essential for desert glare, especially with possible snow on mountain peaks

Lip balm with SPF - 42% humidity plus wind and sun creates severe chapping

Refillable water bottle (1 liter minimum) - desert air is dehydrating even in cool weather

Light evening jacket - temperatures drop rapidly after sunset, outdoor dining gets chilly by 7pm

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - some morning surfaces may be slick with frost

Small daypack for hiking - carry extra layers as you'll shed clothing as the day warms up

Insider Knowledge

locals start hiking by 8am in January to catch sunrise warmth and avoid afternoon winds that pick up around 2pm - follow their schedule

Green Chile roasting happens year-round but January chiles are from premium October harvest storage - ask vendors which farms and harvest dates for best flavor

Many restaurants offer heated patios with propane heaters, but locals know to request tables on the east side to catch afternoon sun

January is when NMSU students return from winter break - restaurant waits increase dramatically after January 15th, so plan early-month dining accordingly

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature swings - wearing summer clothes because it's 'desert' then freezing during morning activities or evening dining

Planning outdoor activities after 2pm when desert winds kick up to 25+ mph making hiking unpleasant and photography difficult

Assuming all hiking trails are accessible - higher elevation trails in Organ Mountains may have ice patches until late morning, check with rangers first