Will I need a jacket in Santa Fe in December?

Yes — average lows hit about 19°F, so plan on a heavy coat with insulated layers.

Will it rain in Santa Fe in December?

Only about 4 rainy days on average — a packable rain shell is usually enough without a full umbrella.

How should I layer for Santa Fe in December?

With a daily range of about 19°F–43°F, plan on layers you can add or shed: a base layer, a mid-weight top, and an outer layer for the cool ends of the day.

What to Pack for Santa Fe in December — 2026 Packing List

0 of 10 packed

Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

Down puffer jacketEssential
The Plaza at 7000 ft sees December lows of 19°F with clear skies, so a down puffer handles intense high-desert cold.
Merino wool base layersEssential
Canyon Road galleries require thin merino layers under outerwear to manage 24°F daily swings.
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.
Insulated waterproof bootsEssential
Sangre de Cristo Mountains trails accumulate snow in December, demanding insulated boots for Santa Fe National Forest hikes.
Thick wool socksEssential
The Plaza experiences dry high-desert cold at 19°F lows, so warm socks prevent discomfort.
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 December UV at elevation, so a wide-brim hat blocks rays.
Sunscreen SPF 50+Essential
Railyard District receives strong high-desert sun even at 43°F, requiring SPF for skin safety.

Clothing

Down puffer jacketEssential
The Plaza at 7000 ft sees December lows of 19°F with clear skies, so a down puffer handles intense high-desert cold.
Merino wool base layersEssential
Canyon Road galleries require thin merino layers under outerwear to manage 24°F daily swings.
Long-sleeve shirtRecommended
Palace of the Governors delivers strong December UV at 43°F highs, 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

Insulated waterproof bootsEssential
Sangre de Cristo Mountains trails accumulate snow in December, demanding insulated boots for Santa Fe National Forest hikes.
Thick wool socksEssential
The Plaza experiences dry high-desert cold at 19°F lows, so warm socks prevent discomfort.
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 December UV at elevation, so a wide-brim hat blocks rays.
Sunscreen SPF 50+Essential
Railyard District receives strong high-desert sun even at 43°F, requiring SPF for skin safety.
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.

Local tips for Santa Fe in December

Pack extra warm layers for The Plaza where December nights drop to 19°F with clear high-desert skies.

Use insulated boots on Canyon Road to manage snow from Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Santa Fe National Forest trails near Hyde Memorial State Park stay snowy, so waterproof insulation is critical.

FAQ — Santa Fe in December

Yes — average lows hit about 19°F, so plan on a heavy coat with insulated layers.
Only about 4 rainy days on average — a packable rain shell is usually enough without a full umbrella.
With a daily range of about 19°F–43°F, plan on layers you can add or shed: a base layer, a mid-weight top, and an outer layer for the cool ends of the day.

More tools for Santa Fe in December

Best shoes

Shoe picks for December →

Waterproof, breathable, insulated — matched to the month.

Pack or skip

Umbrella? Winter coat? Sunscreen? →

Item-by-item verdict for December.

Comfort check

Will I be cold or hot? →

Day and night temp bands for December.

Packing Calculator

How many outfits do you actually need?

Trip length

5 days

Calculate my outfit count →

Free · no sign-up needed

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