Española sits at around 1,750 metres elevation, which moderates the summer heat considerably compared to lower desert towns. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit: temperatures are pleasant, the landscape is green from monsoon rains (late July to September), and the sky is the extraordinary blue that makes New Mexico famous.
Summer (June to August) brings afternoon thunderstorms that roll in quickly and cool things down dramatically. The monsoon season is actually a fine time to be in the valley — the desert comes alive and the light after the storms is spectacular.
Winters are cold but dry, with occasional snow. The high-elevation Jemez Mountains nearby can receive significant snowfall, which makes the area popular with skiers heading to Pajarito Mountain (about 25 kilometres west). The Ohkay Owingeh and other pueblos hold winter dances during the Christmas season and in January and February — these are among the most authentic Native American ceremonies open to visitors anywhere in the Southwest.