Weather
New Mexico November Weather Nov. 5-11: Snow Near Taos?
Santa Fe, NM – New Mexico's first full week of November brings an important question for residents and travelers heading into the northern mountains: Could early season snow develop near Taos while lo
By Rachel Monroe · 2026-10-29T07:45:48.209Z
Santa Fe, NM – New Mexico's first full week of November brings an important question for residents and travelers heading into the northern mountains: Could early season snow develop near Taos while lower elevation communities remain comparatively mild?
The state's dramatic elevation differences mean November weather can vary sharply between mountain communities, high desert cities and southern valleys.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center, outlooks issued Wednesday, Oct. 28, cover Thursday, Nov. 5, through Wednesday, Nov. 11, and provide broad probabilities for temperature and precipitation trends.
The available outlooks do not confirm a New Mexico snowstorm or establish accumulating snowfall during that period.
Northern Mountains Have the Strongest Snow Potential
Taos Ski Valley, Red River, Angel Fire and higher elevations of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are among the locations where snow is seasonally possible in early November.
Cold air and sufficient moisture must overlap for snowfall to develop. Mountain summits can experience freezing temperatures even when nearby valleys remain warmer.
However, no specific snowfall totals or storm timing have been established for Nov. 5 11.
Albuquerque and Santa Fe Could Differ
Santa Fe's higher elevation generally makes it colder than Albuquerque, particularly overnight.
Communities around Los Alamos, Española and the Jemez Mountains can also experience varying temperatures depending on elevation and terrain.
Albuquerque residents may experience chilly mornings, but mountain snow does not automatically mean snowfall in the Rio Grande Valley.
Farther south, Las Cruces, Roswell and Carlsbad typically have a lower early November snow risk than northern mountain communities.
Mountain Travel Requires Attention
U.S. Highway 64 near the northern mountains and roads leading toward Taos Ski Valley can experience changing conditions when winter precipitation develops.
Interstate 25 travelers approaching higher elevation sections of northern New Mexico should also monitor local forecasts.
No specific road closures or icing events have been confirmed for Nov. 5 11.
For now, mountain snow remains a seasonal possibility, not a confirmed storm threat .
Residents and visitors should check updated National Weather Service forecasts before making mountain travel plans.