Santa Fe in October 2023: Weather + Everything You Need to Know
Are you looking to explore Santa Fe in October?
There is something so special about visiting Santa Fe in October.
As the weather begins to change from those warm summer days and the cozy autumnal weather emerges, fall in Santa Fe is truly remarkable and is simply one of the best times to visit the state of New Mexico.
Having visited Santa Fe in October, we know this is one of the absolute best times to explore the city and enjoy its terrific weather!
The city of Santa Fe in October is full of vibrant art, endless outdoor recreational activities, an abundance of fall festivals, delicious New Mexican cuisine, and a rich history and culture.
There is truly something for everyone to enjoy when visiting Santa Fe in fall.
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Santa Fe in October Weather
New Mexico October weather is perfect sweater weather and the quintessential atmosphere for autumn festivals and celebrations.
October weather in Santa Fe tends to have highs in the mid 60’s and lows in the mid 30’s.
This is the perfect weather to spend time outside brewery hopping, walking downtown, exploring the local art scene, or simply taking in the crisp fall air while exploring the charming city!
Additionally, October weather in Santa Fe is typically pretty sunny.
You can typically expect only about 3 days of rain in Santa Fe, making it an excellent place to visit for a sunny fall getaway!
The Best Things to Do in Santa Fe in October
1. Take a Hike
One of the best outdoor activities to do in the Santa Fe area is to go hiking!
There are countless hiking trails to choose from in the area so be sure to pack your favorite energy bars for hiking and your go-to electrolytes and head out to one of the nearby trails for a great exercise with tremendous views!
If you are looking for a moderately challenging hike in the area, be sure to check out the Picacho Peak Trail.
This hike is roughly 4 miles out and back and the perfect hike for those looking for beautiful views of cactus, trees, and the surrounding New Mexico landscape.
2. Learn More From a Walking Tour
One of the best ways to learn more about Santa Fe’s art, cuisine, architecture, and history is by going on one of the best walking tours in Santa Fe!
This is a perfect way to explore some of the city’s most famous landmarks as well as learn about some hidden gems, all from a local tour guide.
3. Go Brewery Hopping
One of our favorite things about Santa Fe is the delicious craft beer joints around the city!
Make sure that you stop by one of their many tasty breweries to enjoy a cold pint or two of beer.
We recommend checking out the Santa Fe Brewing Company and Second Street Brewery!
4. Drink Your Way Through The Margarita Trail
Did you know that Santa Fe has a Margarita Trail? Santa Fe is known for their delicious tequila drinks, specifically their authentic and tasty margaritas!
Be sure to check out the Margarita Trail with over 40 different margaritas you can pick from and enjoy at different establishments!
5. Enjoy a Unique Experience at Meow Wolf
Meow Wolf is one of the most famous attractions in Santa Fe and is renowned for its immersive art experience.
This is the perfect place to visit for those looking for a unique excursion and interested in modern art.
6. Walk Around The Santa Fe Plaza
One of our favorite places to walk around is The Santa Fe Plaza.
This area is known for its fantastic shopping, countless restaurants and bars, and beautiful architecture.
7. Enjoy The Railyard District
Another area that we fell in love with is The Railyard District. This area is full of hip and funky shops, restaurants, breweries, and bars.
This is the perfect place to walk around and explore!
8. Take in the Local Artwork at Canyon Road Art District
Canyon Road Art District has over 80 different art galleries making it the perfect place to visit for art enthusiasts or for those looking to take in the local art scene.
9. See the Skies Burst with Color at The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
One of our favorite experiences that we have ever done is visit The Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.
It is so surreal to see the sky fill up with hundreds of vibrant hot air balloons. We cannot recommend this festival enough.
10. Go on an E-Bike Tour
For those looking for a fun excursion, consider going on a Small-Group E-bike Adventure Tour through Hidden Santa Fe.
This tour is perfect for those looking to ride around and learn about the hidden gems throughout the city.
👉🏼 Check out rates and availability to book your Small-Group E-bike Adventure Tour through Hidden Santa Fe here!
What to Wear in Santa Fe in October
Santa Fe in October has perfect fall temperatures! We recommend wearing layers so that you can easily take some off during the sunny hours of the day or add layers during the brisk evenings when the sun goes down.
In general, Santa Fe is a pretty relaxed destination and you don’t see too many people dressed fancy. You can typically get by with a nice pair of pants and sweater!
Festivals in Santa Fe in October
- Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – Technically this celebration is held down the road in Albuquerque and not in Santa Fe, but it is totally worth adding to your list. If you plan on visiting the area during October 7th-15th of 2023, be sure to head down the road to watch the skies fill with hundreds of hot air balloons of all shapes, colors, and sizes!
- Santa Fe International Film Festival – The Santa Fe International Film Festival is taking place October 18th-22nd of 2023. We highly recommend that you check this festival out. It is the perfect festival for film lovers or those looking for a bit of entertainment while visiting the area.
- Santa Fe Farmers Market – Technically the Santa Fe Farmers Market is not considered to be a holiday or festival in the area but it is definitely worth noting for those visiting in October and would like to support local farmers and businesses. We love the Santa Fe Farmers Market and it is held every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Where to Stay in Santa Fe
There are countless places to pick from when choosing the best accommodations in Santa Fe. Check out our top 3 picks below to help make your decision a bit easier!
- Budget-friendly: Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza – This hotel is in an excellent location right near The Santa Fe Plaza and countless restaurants, bars, and shopping.
👉🏼 Book your stay at Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza here!
- Mid-range: La Fonda on the Plaza – We cannot recommend this hotel enough for its beautiful aesthetic and central location!
👉🏼 Check out this link to learn more about rates and availability at the La Fonda on the Plaza!
- Luxury: Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi – For those looking for a high end hotel in the area, look no further. The Rosewood Inn has a stunning interior and exterior as well as phenomenal amenities including a spa, fitness center, and restaurants.
👉🏼 Click here to book your stay at the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi!
How to Get Around Santa Fe
The best way to get around Santa Fe is by driving your own vehicle if you live nearby or by renting a vehicle.
For those that do not live nearby, the closest two airports are the Santa Fe Airport and the Albuquerque International Airport.
If you do plan on flying in, we recommend renting a vehicle so that you can explore Santa Fe and the surrounding areas without having to rely on public transportation.
Make sure to grab our favorite travel insurance from SafetyWing if you do plan on renting a vehicle when visiting the area.
Things to Know Before Visiting Santa Fe in October
- Plan Ahead – Santa Fe can get pretty busy during October because of the different festivals that take place in and around the city! Make sure that you plan ahead and book dinner, hotel, and excursions reservations in advance.
- Bring Layers – Due to the fantastic fall temperatures, it is pretty warm during the day but chillier in the evenings so be sure to bring layers that you can take off or add on depending on the weather.
- Get Outside – One of our favorite things about Santa Fe is its walkability, outdoor dining options, and endless recreational activities. Be sure to take advantage of the great weather and get outside to enjoy some sunlight!
- Wear Comfortable Shoes – Santa Fe has many phenomenal districts where you can walk around and explore, be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes so that your feet stay healthy and comfy while exploring all that Santa Fe has to offer.
- Drink Plenty of Water – Santa Fe has a high elevation so it’s easy to get dehydrated quickly! Additionally, Santa Fe is known for having delicious craft breweries and countless establishments that serve up some truly tasty margaritas, so make sure that you are drinking plenty of water so that you stay healthy, happy, and safe!
FAQs About Santa Fe in October
Is October a good time to visit Santa Fe?
October is the perfect time to visit Santa Fe! The autumn temperatures are perfect for spending time outside and there is so much to see and explore during the fall months.
What is Santa Fe like in October?
Santa Fe is full of fall charm during October. Many of the trees have begun to change, fall festivities are rearing up, and it is the perfect time to walk around The Santa Fe Plaza, The Railyard District, and the Canyon Road Art District.
How warm is Santa Fe in October?
You can typically expect Santa Fe to have highs in the mid 60’s and lows in the mid 30’s during October with minimal rainy days.
Is Santa Fe busy in October?
Santa Fe can get pretty busy during October especially around the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and the Santa Fe International Film Festival.
We recommend booking accommodations, dinner reservations, and excursions in advance!
Final Thoughts on Santa Fe in October
Santa Fe in October is full of autumn vibes, countless things to see and do, and an overall fabulous time to visit this charming city.
For similar posts, be sure to check out our Ultimate Road Trip from Denver to Santa Fe and 72 Hours in Santa Fe. Happy Exploring!
