It’s important to pick the right time of year to take your White Sands National Park tour. Like any outdoor location, White Sands is entirely at the mercy of the weather, so your experience can vary depending on the season. That’s why we put together this quick and dirty guide to the seasons, so you can pick the best time to visit White Sands National Park.
Spring: Springtime is always a great season for traveling, and spring in White Sands is no exception. The weather is mild, with daytime temperatures reliably falling between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Since children are still in school, the park is likely to be less crowded than during the summer, although that can make travel more difficult if you have kids. Most importantly, however, visiting during the spring will allow you to witness the gorgeous wildflower blooms that carpet the dunes every year.
Summer: White Sands does get a bit more crowded during the summer, so be prepared to run into some fellow tourists on your trip. You should also prepare for the New Mexico heat, with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 100 degrees. Luckily, the unique gypsum sand that makes up the dunes in White Sands doesn’t absorb heat, so you can walk barefoot year-round without burning yourself, but make sure you bring plenty of water. On the plus side, the park’s seasonal programs, like the Sunset Stroll, moonlight hikes, and stargazing tours, are all up and running during the summer months, offering a compelling reason to plan your visit for this season.
Autumn: Much like spring, autumn is a terrific time to visit White Sands National Park. The daytime temperatures dip back down to the 70s and 80s, and the park is a little less crowded after the kids go back to school. You will miss the wildflowers if you plan your trip for the autumn, but you will be able to catch the annual Balloon Fiesta in nearby Albuquerque as a consolation prize.
Winter: The winter months are quiet at White Sands, so you’ll be able to visit without running into any crowds. The weather is nice and cool, averaging between 50 and 60 degrees during the day. The major downside of visiting during the winter is that the ranger-led programs are all closed down, so you’ll be on your own. However, the soft winter light can be especially intriguing to photographers.
Whenever you decide to visit, make the most of your trip with our White Sands National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour, or you can sign up for Action+ and gain access to over 100 tours for a single yearly price.
Essential Travel Guide:
