Las Cruces in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Las Cruces

18°C (64°F) High Temp

4°C (39°F) Low Temp

8mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with daytime temperatures around 18°C (64°F) and low humidity at 45% - ideal for Organ Mountains trails
Peak chile harvest season means authentic Hatch green chile at every restaurant and roadside stand, plus annual roasting events
Clear desert skies with minimal rainfall (only 3 rainy days) provide exceptional stargazing conditions and unobstructed mountain views
Comfortable temperatures for outdoor markets and festivals without summer's 38°C (100°F+) heat that drives locals indoors

Considerations

Significant temperature swings from 18°C (64°F) days to 4°C (39°F) nights require layered clothing and warm gear for evening activities
Desert winds can reach 25-40 km/h (15-25 mph), creating dusty conditions and making outdoor dining uncomfortable on some days
Tourist season overlap means higher accommodation prices and crowded access to popular sites like Dripping Springs

Best Activities in November

Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Hiking

November offers ideal conditions for the challenging trails with comfortable daytime temperatures and clear visibility. The desert landscape shows post-monsoon recovery with subtle vegetation changes. Morning hikes capitalize on calm winds before afternoon gusts begin around 2pm.

Booking Tip: Book guided hikes 7-10 days ahead through certified desert guides. Self-guided permits available same-day at visitor centers. Expect to pay $150-250 for full-day guided experiences. Start early (7am) to avoid afternoon winds.

Mesilla Valley Wine Tours

Harvest season continues into November, offering fresh wines and behind-the-scenes access to crushing and fermentation processes. Comfortable temperatures make vineyard walks enjoyable, and tasting rooms aren't crowded with summer tourists.

Booking Tip: Weekend tours fill up 2 weeks ahead. Midweek options typically $75-120 per person. Many vineyards offer harvest participation experiences unique to this season. Check current offerings in booking section below.

White Sands Sunset Photography

November's clear skies and comfortable evening temperatures create perfect conditions for golden hour photography. The low sun angle at 4:30pm provides dramatic dune shadows, and you won't be battling extreme heat or monsoon clouds.

Booking Tip: Photography workshops typically $180-300. Self-guided visits require advance timed entry passes ($15) available 30 days ahead. Evening temperatures drop to 10°C (50°F), so bring layers.

Historic Mesilla Plaza Cultural Tours

Comfortable walking weather makes exploring the adobe buildings and artisan shops enjoyable. November features fewer crowds than peak winter months, allowing better access to galleries and authentic interactions with local craftspeople.

Booking Tip: Walking tours range $25-45 per person. Book cultural experiences 5-7 days ahead. Many tour guides offer combined food and history experiences taking advantage of chile harvest season specialties.

Rio Grande Bosque Bird Watching

November marks peak fall migration with over 200 species passing through the bosque. Comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall create ideal conditions for early morning birding when activity is highest and winds are calm.

Booking Tip: Guided birding tours $80-120 for half-day experiences. Rent binoculars locally for $15-20/day. Best times are 6:30-10am before winds pick up. Self-guided trails are free with detailed bird checklists available.

Desert Stargazing Experiences

November's clear skies, low humidity, and comfortable nighttime temperatures create exceptional stargazing conditions. Desert location provides minimal light pollution, and stable air offers sharp celestial viewing without summer heat distortion.

Booking Tip: Astronomy tours range $65-150 per person. Book 1-2 weeks ahead as clear nights fill quickly. Bring warm layers as temperatures drop 15°C (25°F) after sunset. Private tours available for serious photographers.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Las Cruces International Mariachi Festival

Three-day celebration featuring mariachi competitions, workshops, and performances throughout downtown. Local restaurants offer special menus highlighting traditional Mexican cuisine paired with live music.

November 1-2

Dia de los Muertos Celebrations

Mesilla Plaza transforms with elaborate altars, traditional foods, and evening processions. Local families share authentic traditions, making this more intimate than touristy celebrations in larger cities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system: mornings start at 4°C (39°F) but afternoons reach 18°C (64°F) - pack thermal base layer plus cotton t-shirts

Warm jacket or fleece for evening activities when temperatures drop 15°C (25°F) after sunset

Windbreaker or light shell jacket for afternoon gusts reaching 40 km/h (25 mph) in open areas

Closed-toe hiking boots for rocky terrain and protection from desert plants and morning frost

Sunglasses and hat - desert sun reflects intensely even at lower UV index of 6

SPF 30+ sunscreen - high altitude at 1,200m (3,900ft) increases UV exposure despite moderate index

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated in dry 45% humidity air, plus keeping drinks warm for cool mornings

Lip balm and moisturizer - desert air quickly dehydrates skin and lips

Headlamp or flashlight for early morning hikes and stargazing activities

Camera with extra batteries - cold morning temperatures drain battery life faster than expected

Insider Knowledge

Start outdoor activities by 7am to avoid afternoon winds that kick up around 2pm, making hiking and photography challenging

Local chile roasting happens at grocery stores and farmer's markets throughout November - buy freshly roasted green chiles for $3-4 per pound

Many restaurants close between 2-5pm for siesta, but November's comfortable weather makes this perfect timing for outdoor activities instead of meal breaks

Las Cruces locals dress in layers year-round - you'll blend in better and be more comfortable with a morning jacket you can remove by noon

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature swings and packing only for daytime weather, then being uncomfortable during evening activities or early morning starts

Planning outdoor activities during afternoon wind hours (2-6pm) when dust and gusts make hiking and photography difficult

Booking accommodations at summer rates without realizing November is still tourist season with higher prices than December-January