August Packing List for Santa Fe — What to Wear & Bring

Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

• Breathable shirtEssential

  The Plaza reaches 82°F highs in August with monsoon rains, so breathable shirts handle heat and sudden drops.

• Waterproof jacketEssential

  Canyon Road faces frequent monsoon hail and 20°F drops, requiring quick-access waterproof shells.

• Layered base topEssential

  For 30-40F daily temperature swings common year round in Santa Fe high desert at The Plaza, Canyon Road or Sangre de Cristo trails.

• Waterproof bootsEssential

  Sangre de Cristo Mountains trails see heavy August rains, demanding waterproof boots for Santa Fe National Forest hikes.

• Sturdy hiking bootsEssential

  Essential for variable terrain and snow lingering into spring on trails in Santa Fe high desert at The Plaza, Canyon Road or Sangre de Cristo trails.

• Sturdy hiking bootsEssential

  Essential for variable terrain and snow lingering into spring on trails in Santa Fe high desert at The Plaza, Canyon Road or Sangre de Cristo trails.

• Wide-brim hatEssential

  Georgia O'Keeffe Museum area has intense UV between monsoons at 82°F, so a wide-brim hat protects skin.

• SunscreenEssential

  Railyard District receives high-desert sun even during August storms, requiring SPF.

Clothing

• Breathable shirtEssential

  The Plaza reaches 82°F highs in August with monsoon rains, so breathable shirts handle heat and sudden drops.

• Waterproof jacketEssential

  Canyon Road faces frequent monsoon hail and 20°F drops, requiring quick-access waterproof shells.

• Long sleevesRecommended

  Palace of the Governors delivers strong UV between storms, making long sleeves essential.

• Layered base topEssential

  For 30-40F daily temperature swings common year round in Santa Fe high desert at The Plaza, Canyon Road or Sangre de Cristo trails.

Footwear

• Waterproof bootsEssential

  Sangre de Cristo Mountains trails see heavy August rains, demanding waterproof boots for Santa Fe National Forest hikes.

• Quick-dry socksRecommended

  The Plaza area experiences monsoon downpours, so quick-dry socks maintain comfort.

• Sturdy hiking bootsEssential

  Essential for variable terrain and snow lingering into spring on trails in Santa Fe high desert at The Plaza, Canyon Road or Sangre de Cristo trails.

• Sturdy hiking bootsEssential

  Essential for variable terrain and snow lingering into spring on trails in Santa Fe high desert at The Plaza, Canyon Road or Sangre de Cristo trails.

Accessories

• Wide-brim hatEssential

  Georgia O'Keeffe Museum area has intense UV between monsoons at 82°F, so a wide-brim hat protects skin.

• SunscreenEssential

  Railyard District receives high-desert sun even during August storms, requiring SPF.

• Wide-brim sun hatRecommended

  Blocks intense UV at 7000 ft elevation even in shoulder seasons in Santa Fe high desert at The Plaza, Canyon Road or Sangre de Cristo trails.

• Wide-brim sun hatRecommended

  Blocks intense UV at 7000 ft elevation even in shoulder seasons in Santa Fe high desert at The Plaza, Canyon Road or Sangre de Cristo trails.

Gear

• Compact rain shellRecommended

  Canyon Road galleries face sudden August hail, so a compact rain shell provides instant protection.

• Quick-dry pack coverRecommended

  For sudden monsoon hail and rain on Canyon Road in July-August in Santa Fe high desert at The Plaza, Canyon Road or Sangre de Cristo trails.

• Quick-dry pack coverRecommended

  For sudden monsoon hail and rain on Canyon Road in July-August in Santa Fe high desert at The Plaza, Canyon Road or Sangre de Cristo trails.

• Quick-dry pack coverRecommended

  For sudden monsoon hail and rain on Canyon Road in July-August in Santa Fe high desert at The Plaza, Canyon Road or Sangre de Cristo trails.