Everyone who has ever been to Santa Fe praises the city's one-of-a-kind beauty and the fact that there is never a terrible time to visit. Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico in the United States. It is a bustling cultural hub with everything from fantastic boutique shopping and mouthwatering cuisine to beautiful performance venues and historic buildings that harken back to the city's long and storied past. UNESCO's Creative Cities Network also lists Santa Fe as one of the world's top art capitals because of the city's abundance of museums and public displays of visual art.

Some of Santa Fe's cultural highlights include the historic Santa Fe Plaza, the Palace of the Governors, the annual Fiesta de Santa Fe, and a wide range of restaurants providing authentic New Mexican food and hosting live New Mexican music performances. The city also contains, among many others, the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, a Chuck Jones gallery, and modern art collectives such as Meow Wolf. Hikers and explorers will discover breathtaking mountain scenery and rich pine forests outside Santa Fe. At the height of 7,000 feet, Santa Fe's weather makes it the perfect year-round vacation. However, the most excellent time to visit a place varies on one's preferred activities; therefore, here is a handy reference to the best months to visit Santa Fe based on various activities.

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The Summer And Fall Seasons Are Perfect For Art Lovers

Santa Fe experiences its busiest tourist season throughout the summer and early fall, especially in July, August, and September. The New Mexico monsoon season, which begins in July and lasts until September, is one of the most beautiful times of the year. With all the flowering wildflowers, exploring the city is a visual treat. The summer rain, which can pour even when the sun is out, is another cherished draw.

Santa Fe celebrates its reputation as an art mecca by hosting some of the most illustrious art fairs in the United States every summer. Experience the third largest art market in the United States during Santa Fe Art Weeks. The Santa Fe Art Show is an annual event at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center and features a fantastic collection of works by modern and contemporary artists. Original works of art from museums and galleries worldwide are on display.

However, hotels, flights, and excursions like tours increase prices during the peak season. Visitors should book in advance six months to a year to avoid paying peak season rates. As many people who own second homes in Santa Fe tend to visit during the summer for the cultural activities that take place there, the city might feel particularly congested at this time.

December Is The Best Month To Experience The Timeless Multicultural Traditions Of Santa Fe.

December in Santa Fe is great for people who want milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and cheaper hotel rates. Santa Fe's winter holidays are bright with cheer and celebration, and Farolitos and trees decked out in holiday lights set the city aglow. In this last month of the year, the city comes alive with festive cheer thanks to caroling, parties, open houses, and community events.

There is no better place to witness the beautiful fusion of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo traditions into a spectacle that the whole family can enjoy. Take a stroll through a magical garden illuminated by brilliant displays of light. Attend a performance by some classic and much-loved marionettes.

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet puts up "The Nutcracker," a ballet made famous by Tchaikovsky, every year on the first weekend of December. Embark on a fantastical adventure with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince to the Land of Snow and Land of Sweets, where they are greeted by the lovely Sugar Plum Fairy and a host of other characters, including dancers in traditional garb from Russia, Spain, and Arabia.

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January Through April Are Ideal Months For Anyone Seeking Peace & Quiet.

Visiting Santa Fe in the winter is a great idea. Even though it's the low season for visitors, everything from attractions to stores to restaurants is just as good, if not better, than during the busy months. Even though Santa Fe isn't the first place that comes to mind when thinking of winter activities, the ski resorts in the area are among the best in the country. In particular, the terrain at Ski Santa Fe is great for beginners and families with young children.

From January onward, all the way until Memorial Day, the days are long, and the nights are quiet. At the start of January, Native Americans celebrate the Transfer of Canes (the passing of leadership from one governor to the next) with traditional Pueblo dances on New Year's Day. Many northern Pueblos celebrate in and around Santa Fe with traditional dances such as turtle, maize, and cloud. February, March, and April are the least crowded months to visit Santa Fe. Once the winter's hard freeze has ended, the weather begins to warm, bringing many visitors to the city on Easter.

• Getting To Santa Fe: Direct flights from Denver, Dallas, and Phoenix land daily at Santa Fe Municipal Airport. Travelers can also land at Albuquerque International Sunport, which is about 45 minutes distant from Santa Fe. The Santa Fe Place Mall and the Alvarado Transit Station, where Amtrak and Grayhound stop, are both within easy reach thanks to the ABQ Express Shuttle, which runs three times daily.
• Where To Stay: Hotel Santa Fe, Hacienda & Spa is a tradition-centric retreat that invites guests to experience genuine hospitality in the city's only Native American-owned hotel.

Activities & Attractions To Enjoy In & Around Santa Fe

Regardless of when one chooses to visit Santa Fe, if one does, then there are plenty of year-round attractions.

Visit America's Oldest Post-Columbian Building

Santa Fe is home to the oldest European building in the United States. The Spanish were active in this area before the English and the Dutch were on the East Coast of the United States. While in Santa Fe, take the time to see the Palace of The Governors built around 1610.

Explore Pecos National Historical Park

The ruins at Pecos National Historical Park with its ruins from the Pecos Indians can put the Palace of The Governors to shame. It is a great place to learn about the pre-history of the United States and the people that called it home long before the Europeans arrived in the New World.

Take A Trip On The Sky Railway

Railways are also a great way to experience the nostalgia and heritage of the past. While in Santa Fe, take a ride on the iconic Sky Railway and have an activity that everyone in the family can enjoy. The journeys start in Santa Fe and go to Lamy covering a distance of 18 miles.