The fabulous weather is a main attraction that brings people to the Silver City area and Southwest New Mexico. The weather varies a little according to altitude, which ranges from about 6000 feet above sea level to around 8000, depending on where you are at the time. Within just a few minutes you can drive from high desert areas into tall pine forests. One of New Mexico's most wonderful features is being able to move quickly from one ecosystem to another.

View of clouds during the monsoon (July 2008). Photo by Blake Farley.

Four Gentle Seasons

There are four “gentle” seasons in Silver City, and all of them are enjoyable and allow for numerous outdoor activities. There are very few days a year when you can't walk, ride a bike, hike, or just sit outside and enjoy the scenery. In addition, there are many times during the year when you don't need either heat or air conditioning and you can simply open your windows and enjoy the fresh air and a gentle breeze.

Summers

Summer is a gorgeous time with an abundance of green trees, flowers and birds. Vibrant hollyhocks, butterfly bushes and flowering cacti bloom in area communities, especially in Silver City. In addition to the many varieties of bird that make their habitat in the area, the hummingbirds arrive in the higher altitudes in late March and don't leave until late September. An exciting part of the summer is the “monsoon” season, when afternoon and evening thunderstorms bring thunder and lightning and freshening rain. (Beware of water crossings during the monsoon because flooding is a possibility, and can be dangerous.) There is usually at least one hail storm during the monsoon. Many people who live in and visit the area are especially active outdoors during the summer, and you'll see people walking, bicycling, running, and involved in numerous outdoor sports. Of course, with the wonderful climate, you can be involved in these kinds of activities year round. It's unusual for the temperatures to reach the mid to high 90s, and even when there is heat in the day time, there's little humidity, and the evenings are wonderfully cool, around 60 even if the afternoon is 90. Areas surrounding town where the lights aren't as visible are especially popular with stargazers because the skies are gorgeous and incredibly expansive.

Activities during the summer include the Blues Festival every Memorial Day. Well-known entertainers come from all over the country to entertain residents and numerous visitors, many who come every year. The 4^th of July Parade is a wonderful family or friend event. Thousands of people gather and watch the parade, sitting on a curb or a grassy spot next to a local building. There are fireworks later in Silver, of course. Shopping, eating out, having a drink, visiting the Farmers' Market downtown on Saturdays, or having a dessert at a local bakery or ice cream parlor are very popular during long summer days and evenings.

Fall

Autumn is very mild and in many parts of the area, the leaves, especially those of the big cottonwoods along the winding rivers, feature beautiful colors. The Mimbres and Gila River Valleys are especially beautiful as you drive along the twisting and turning roads in these river valleys enjoying the abundant golden foliage. In late fall, the evenings become wonderfully crisp and the smell of wood fires lets you know you're in wonderful New Mexico!

View of land near Pinos Altos after a small snow storm January 2007. Photo by Blake Farley.

Winter

Winters are mild in and around Silver City. The blue skies are just as beautiful in the winter as in the summer. While there is some inclement weather, including a few inches of snow each year, the snow often melts of by the end of the day. There are only one or two days every few years when the snow is really a problem for a day or two, or when the sun doesn't shine at all. While temperatures occasionally dip into the

teens, the afternoon sunshine warms things up so much that it's relatively comfortable. One of the high points of winter is, of course, the holiday season. Downtown Silver City is resplendent with twinkling lights. The annual Parade of Lights, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, is an event not to be missed. You will think you're part of a Norma Rockwell painting! Thousands of people, including many little ones eager for a glimpse of Santa Claus, gather downtown to watch the colorful floats. You'll want to wrap up and maybe bring a folding chair. Sitting on the sidewalk for a couple of hours is much more comfortable if you're bundled up and have a thermos of hot chocolate. No one who attends will ever forget the simple pleasure of the Silver City Parade of Lights.

Spring