zaksgrandma

We are thinking about where to go in August. I originally thought of ZIon and Bryce national parks but am afraid that the heat will be too much. SOmeone suggested Santa Fe. What is the weather like in Aug.? What would be a suggested itinery in New Mexico? We are hkiers (easy to moderate) enjoy birding,being in beautiful places, like museums and wandering through towns/cities. We could stay as long as 2- 3 weeks (or less.) Thanks for suggestions.

Tandoori_Girl

While New Mexico is definitely a beautiful place and has many museums, art galleries, and great restaurants, and Santa Fe is a very walkable/wanderable city, but it gets very very hot. Evenings cool down in New Mexico in the summer but daytime temperatures can reach 120 degrees easily. The trick is to stay in the shade. Unfortunately, that's no help for hikers. Birds will not be as easy to sight as they stay cool in the shade. But there's something fascinating about the arid desert Southwest in the summer. Summer storms for instance. They create havoc in the canyons. An inch of rain here can cause flooding galore. Best way to withstand all these weather problems is to find accomodations with good AC and plenty to do indoors while you're between hikes. Spas are nice.

zaksgrandma

Thanks for the advice, Tandoori Girl. However, the Fodors site says that the normal temp in Santa Fe in Aug. is 55-78 degrees. DO you think that is an underestimation? Does the high elevation keep things cool?

obxgirl

August is definitely a hot month in NM but I think the 120 degrees figure is probably a typo. 100 perhaps but even that is not the norm. The temps in SF tend to be slightly cooler (10 degrees) than in Albuquerque because of , as you mentioned, the elevation. Still, hot is hot, especially on a desert or mountain hike. Take the normal precautions, sun block, hat, plenty of water. There are many wonderful places to explore. We try to get out early in the morning for a half day and then do lunch and a museum or some galleries, anything indoors to escape the warmest part of the day.

Meesthare

You might run into some problems finding accommodation in Santa Fe in August because that's when Indian Market happens. Having said that - that's a great time to be there, if you can get a hotel room. They're usually booked up nearly a year in advance. Indian Market (I think there's a website) is an adjudicated art and craft show that happens in the Plaza and various other venues in the city at some time in August. It's a cultural event that's well worth while.

BeachGirl247

As far as temperature goes, it's usually high 80's in August, may hit 90 but then it could be 75. Our experience has been 80's. Its does cool down at night expecially if clear skies -- might need a sweater over your shoulders.

August is a very busy time in Santa Fe. As mentioned above, you need to book early for your room. And dinner reservations as well. High season prices for hotels.

I've seen other postings for hiking in/around Santa Fe if you need ideas.

Have fun.

williamscb13

June is the hot month in Santa Fe. August is a fabulous time to be there. However, there are lots of tourists and Indian Market is during that time and hotels do tend to book up. The hiking is wonderful and there are lots of things to do just around Santa Fe plus lots of day trips in the area. Santa Fe has great museums and restaurants and so many art galleries and shops that you can spend days looking at things.

Let me know if you need more info, my sister lives there and i'm there all the time. (coincidentally she has two guest houses that she rents out furnished if you are interested)

Santa Fe would be a great place to spend a few weeks during the summer.

Tandoori_Girl

The Opera also runs in August. The city really gets booked up. You might want to check the Santa Fe Opera schedule because hotel rates go through the roof then.

Tandoori_Girl

BTW, one year I was in Santa Fe in August and there was a freak snowstorm in the mtns. It stranded some hikers.

Tandoori_Girl

Fodors says 55-78 in SF in August? Hmmmmm. Seems a bit off.

LuccaBrazzi

We get sudden summer showers here in August, so definitely bring an umbrella.

As far as the weather, SF may "spike" to the low-90's every once in awhile, but it's generally in the 80's (don't get SF weather confused with Albuquerque's weather; we're always about 10-15 degrees cooler than ABQ--because we're at 7,000 feet altitude and at the base of the mountains; ABQ is at 5,000 feet and in a big valley.)

Also, if you're hikers you should know that in August & September we can get LOTS of lightning in the afternoon. Not a problem here in town, but if you go up in the mountains it could cause a potential hazard.

trevorjoyce

Not to confuse you, but one of our most favorite vacations was in Aug to Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and N. Rim Grand Canyon. It was pretty warm but the only uncomfortable day was late am hike to Arches. We also spent time swimming in Lake Mead and rafting in Moab. This was a 2 wk trip. Good Luck! Joyce

Jayne1973

I go to SF every year during the first week in August. Days are typically mild in the morning, peaking in the 90s mid afternoon and cooling back down at night. And those "monsoon" rains sometimes cool everything off so much that you need a longsleeved shirt in the evening.

You do need to book ahead, and if you aren't staying downtown near the plaza you will have an easier time finding a place, and get a better price. We like El Rey Inn on Cerrillos.

Bandalier National Monument would be a great hiking spot.

Santa Fe is awesome. Do a search on this board and you'll find lots of great information on the area.