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

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.