Discover the Absolute Hottest Place in New Mexico

New Mexico is one of the hottest and driest states in the country. During the summer, New Mexico frequently experiences temperatures above 100° F. Still, the state also experiences chilly winters. The cold season though only lasts for about three months. Daily temperatures range from 25° to 35° F. So, what about the hottest season? What is the absolute hottest place in New Mexico? Follow along to find out!

The Average Temperature in New Mexico

Before we dive into the absolute hottest place in New Mexico, let’s discover the average temperature of the state. The average temperature in New Mexico ranges depending on the month. It also depends on the region. For instance, the average temperature in the extreme southeast of the state is 64°F, while it’s 40°F or lower in high mountains and valleys.

In the summer, New Mexico experiences very warm summers. The hottest month in the state is July. It’s also hotter in elevations under 5,000 feet. The coldest month on the other hand is January with average daytime temperatures in the middle 50s °F. Although very uncommon, the coldest recorded temperature according to the New Mexico State University, was -50°F at Gavilan on February 1, 1951. 

What is the Absolute Hottest Place in New Mexico?

The hottest temperature ever recorded in New Mexico was 122°F near Carlsbad. Before this extremely hot day, the highest recorded temperature in the state was 116°F at Orogrande on July 14, 1934, and at Artesia on June 29, 1918. Although temperatures above 100°F are common in the state, 116°F and 122°F are very rare! Carlsbad rarely sees temperatures above 105°F.

About Carlsbad

Carlsbad is in Eddy County and has a surface area of 31.79 square miles. This beautiful southwestern city has a population of around 32,200. The city is in the northern reaches of the Chihuahuan Desert ecoregion.

Animals and Plants

New Mexico is a very ecologically diverse state home to 169 mammal species and nearly 550 species of birds. Also in the state are 110 reptile species and 27 amphibian species. There are even more plants in the state. According to the New Mexico State University, the state is home to over 3,000 plant species, some of which are found in Eddy County.

So, what specific species reside in or near Carlsbad? Some plant species you can find in Carlsbad are ocotillo, Texas mountain laurel, silverleaf nightshade, and scarlet hedgehog cactus. These plants are important for many animals and provide food, water, and shelter. Common reptiles in Carlsbad include the gopher snake, Texas horned lizard, Texas banded gecko, and the many-lined skink.

A popular activity to do in and near Carlsbad is bird watching. Here is a list of some birds you may encounter in this vibrant southwestern city:

• white-winged dove
• wild turkey
• summer tanager
• ash-throated flycatcher
• black Phoebe
• Cassin’s kingbird
• brown thrasher
• greater roadrunner
• cedar waxwing
• yellow-headed blackbird

Best Time to Visit Carlsbad

One of the best places to visit in New Mexico is Carlsbad. The best time to visit is from early May to late July and from early August to early October. Most people visit the city of Carlsbad to go to the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. However, if you’d like to beat the lines, you can visit in the low season for travel, from January to March.

Things to do in Carlsbad

So, what is there to do in this stunning southeastern New Mexico city? One of the most popular things to do here is the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This national park is in the Guadalupe Mountains. It was established on May 14, 1930. The surface area of this excellent national park is 46,766 acres. While here you can hike to the cave from the natural entrance or the visitor center.

This isn’t the only great attraction in or near Carlsbad. While in this city, you can also visit the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park. This impressive 1,500-acre zoo features more than 40 native New Mexico animal species.

Also in Carlsbad is the Sitting Bull Falls within the Lincoln National Forest. The Sitting Bull Waterfalls are about 150 feet tall. These waterfalls are within a canyon at an elevation of about 5,000 feet. Visitors can take the day to hike to the falls and admire the stunning rock formations.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © rarrarorro/iStock via Getty Images