Santa Fe Tips 

When visiting Santa Fe for the first time there are a few things one should strongly consider: 

Santa Fe is located at 7,000 feet above sea level, therefore, the altitude change is acute when the traveler is coming from a lower elevation. This does not affect everyone, just some. The air is thinner causing your lungs and heart to work harder. One can experience headaches, nausea, sluggishness, nosebleeds and other symptoms. Most hotels have oxygen tanks upon request. A few minutes on the oxygen can help out. 

Watch your alcohol intake. Most people arrive in Santa Fe and want a traditional New Mexican meal, which includes a refreshing Margarita. Go slow until you see how the alcohol will affect you! They say that one drink at 7,000 feet is equal to 3 drinks at sea level. 

Drink plenty of water before you arrive and while you’re here. You will experience dry mouth and chapped lips. Bring sunscreen and wear a hat whenever outdoors. The sun is closer at 7,000 feet causing rapid sunburn. 

Bring all of your medications with you. Include allergy medications. Even though our air is clear and our skies blue, Santa Fe has pollen from elms, sage, juniper and cottonwood.
 

Weather 

Santa Fe has an average of 300 days of sunshine every year. Blue skies, warm sunny days and cool evenings are the norm here. Most out of towners think that Santa Fe is hot, arid and in the middle of the desert. Well, it is in the middle of the ‘high desert’ and at 7,000 feet above sea level it can get cold here. In the winter season it can down to 4° Fahrenheit at times. The average for January is a high of 42° and a low of 19°. Remember, the Santa Fe Ski Basin is located only 18 miles from the middle of town. There, the top elevation is just below 13,000 feet above sea level. It’s usually 10°-20° colder on the mountain. 

The spring is one of the most beautiful seasons in Santa Fe. It’s still cool during the days and colder at night. The spring bulbs start popping out, loads of wisteria, forsythia, lilacs, tulips, crocus, and daffodils start their annual display. A stroll through the historical South Capitol neighborhood will charm you into spring. The days can be warm and the evenings cool, most locals keep an extra polar-fleece or jean jacket in their cars during the spring and summer. 

Summer is the most active time for Santa Fe. An abundance of outdoor fiestas and markets thrive during the ‘tourist season’. It’s a good idea to plan well in advance for hotels and dinner reservations during this time. The temperature averages 83° high and 51° low in June. From July through Labor Day, one can expect our ’monsoon season’. Don’t worry, it’s not a typical monsoon, just late day rains which produce rainbows and beautiful sunsets. 

The fall in Santa Fe is perhaps the most special time. The residents and hotels start using their kiva fireplaces and the smell of the piñon wood permeates the air. Nothing smells like Santa Fe more! As the days cool, you can look up at the Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ) mountains and see the changing of the Aspen forest. As the palate changes, you can make your plans for the Sunday drive up the mountain just at the peak moment when the forest is glistening gold. The town is not so crowded in the fall, so it’s easier to get dinner and hotel reservations.
 

Red or Green? 

All of New Mexico is crazy about chilies. We tend to smother our traditional foods with this spicy nectar of the Gods. After all, it is one of our state’s designated vegetables even though it’s a fruit (don’t ask). The other state veggie is the pinto bean. If you order a traditional New Mexican dish in one of our incredible restaurants you will be asked, ‘red or green?’, inquiring your choice of red or green chile. Your answer should be, 1) red, 2) green or 3) Christmas, which is both red and green. How do you know the answer to this harrowing question? It’s all a matter of taste and heat tolerance! Until you know, it’s best to ask for both ‘on the side’. 

What to wear? 

Santa Fe is a very casual, laid back town and our attire reflects that. If you see a person in a suit walking around town, the State Legislature must be in session or they are on their way to a wedding or funeral. We are a town of jeans, boots and casual attire.  

There are very few places and occasions that you need to dress up for. We dress up for the opening night at the Opera, The Buck-a-roo Ball, The Aid and Comfort Ball and maybe a few other events. It’s up to you. This is one place you can wear all your turquoise jewelry at the same time and no one will blink an eye.