Packing List

Santa Fe offers world-class art, music and outdoor activities, as well as a sophisticated dining scene. There is a huge variety of shopping to be found in Santa Fe – everything from fabulous vintage and consignment clothing stores to art, which means you can do a lot of walking during your stay. 

The first thing to keep in mind is that Santa Fe is located at over 7,000 feet of elevation, which means it gets cool, and some time very chilly, at night in the summer, and can get downright frigid on winter nights.

When packing for Santa Fe, think layers. Even in the summer, evenings can be chilly and you’ll need a sweater. Anything goes in terms of dress. It’s mostly a casual town, but many visitors and locals alike dress “up” in (local) silver and turquoise jewelry and stylish clothing, including great-looking cowboy boots.  The sun is bright and the high-altitude means the air is thin, so sun protection including a hat, sunglasses and lots of suncreen are a must.

In the winter, while it feels warmer than it does in humid places, come prepared for cold and snow. A warm jacket, hat and gloves, and sturdy walking shoes are advised.  During winter Santa Fe can get warm days and even if it’s cold (unless it gets into the low 20s or the wind is blowing), it feels warmer than the thermometer indicates. Since it’s sunny and dry you don’t get that bone-chilling feeling that happens in places with humidity where the cold goes straight through your clothes, so it is easy to dress against the cold. And be prepared; it can snow into May.