White Sands · January · New Mexico
White Sands National Park in January
January is a good month to visit White Sands National Park. Crowds are moderate. Highs average 53°F and lows 32°F, with about 0.74 inches of rain.
January gets a good rating at White Sands. The very best months are Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov.
What to expect
January is good at White Sands. Cool, clear and calm, the best time for hikes across the dunes. Occasional snow on white sand is surreal.
Waxed plastic snow saucers work best for sledding. Pick a steep dune face without vegetation at the bottom.
Good to know
- Best months overall: Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov.
- Closest airport: El Paso (ELP), about 1.5 hours.
- Before you go: Missile tests on the neighboring range can close Dunes Drive and US-70 for a few hours; check the park's closure schedule. Check current conditions on nps.gov.
Questions
Is January a good time to visit White Sands National Park?
January is a good month to visit White Sands National Park. Crowds are moderate. Highs average 53°F and lows 32°F, with about 0.74 inches of rain.
What is the weather like in White Sands National Park in January?
Highs average 53°F and lows 32°F, with about 0.74 inches of rain. January is rated good for visiting.
How crowded is White Sands National Park in January?
Crowds are moderate in January.