No matter when you decide to visit La Isla del Encanto, that’s the best time to visit Puerto Rico. As its nickname says, there's a certain kind of luxurious magic to the island. Any time is a good time to revel in all that the Caribbean island offers, like tasting fresh and local cuisine alongside the crystal-blue sea and dancing with friends in the historic-yet-buzzy streets of Old San Juan, whether you check in to a colorful Airbnb or a swanky beachside resort. And there's no shortage of things to do for all kinds of travelers: For the shoppers, explore PR’s stylish boutiques or vintage shops, some recommended by the iconic and local music artist Bad Bunny. For those seeking adventure, hike the limestone cliff caves of Arecibo. Around every corner in Puerto Rico, there are lush rainforests and beaches, history and art, music and cocktails—you name it.
When is the best time to visit New Mexico?
04.12.2024 - 18:15 / lonelyplanet.com
Dec 4, 2024 • 6 min read
New Mexico is famous for its deserts, mesas, soaring plateaus and peculiarly shaped hoodoos, but don't expect searing temperatures in every corner of the state. Many people don’t realize that four-fifths of the 47th state sits above 4000ft (1200m), rising to a breathless 13,000ft (4013m) at the summit of Wheeler Peak.
With this raised elevation comes cooler temperatures, so there's always somewhere to escape the heat in the scorching summer months. Even when it's too hot to roam out in the lowlands, the verdant pine forests in the hills are deliciously cool, and it gets cold enough to ski in winter.
In fact, it's quite possible to experience four seasons in one day in New Mexico, depending on where you find yourself in the state. Average temperatures can be misleading; summer highs can soar to 120°F (48°C) but winter lows can plummet to −50°F (−46°C).
If you plan on traveling around the state, embrace New Mexico’s diverse climate and pack for all eventualities. Bring shorts and a sun hat, rain gear, and warm layers (fleeces, base layers), in case the temperature dips.
Whether you're here for desert adventures or winter skiing, here are the best times to visit New Mexico.
The peak season months from June to September see the biggest crowds, and the highest prices for accommodation, but this is by far the best time to experience New Mexico’s vibrant festivals. A mass celebration of food and music takes place at the Santa Fe Railyard during the International Folk Art Market in July, and the city’s Wine & Chile Fiesta sees more than 60 restaurants and 90 wineries show off their best food and drink for five days in September. The New Mexico State Fair in Albuquerque and the White Sands Balloon and Music Festival near Alamogordo also draw crowds in September.
Be sure to fuel your summer adventures with some of the local chiles. Green chile is part of New Mexico’s identity, slathered on everything from burgers and burritos to pizzas and even ice cream. Fall is the harvesting and roasting season and there’s no better place to try this spicy delicacy than the small town of Hatch, the capital of chile production in the state. The Hatch Chile Festival takes place in late August or early September, with punchy chile loaded into every dish and treat.
Although some areas are scorching hot in the middle of the day, particularly at lower elevations, nights are perfect for camping and stargazing, with clear skies and mild temperatures from dusk through till morning. The Cosmic Campground off US Route 180 is a designated International Dark Sky Sanctuary, with the Milky Way visible almost every night.
Fort Union National Monument is another Dark Sky Preserve – great for evening walks and night sky
The Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu—And How Many Days to Stay There
Forget what you know about peak season; Peru's most famous site is changing—and with it, the best time to visit Machu Picchu. Hidden from Spanish conquistadors for centuries and abandoned to the elements, it remained the stuff of local legend until American senator and explorer Hiram Bingham’s fateful 1911 expedition. Today, this citadel in the clouds faces a different kind of conquest: nearly a million people each year are treading sacred ground at this New Wonder of the World.
The Best Places to Go in the US in 2025
To arrive at our list of the Best Places to Go in the US in 2025, we painted with the broadest strokes possible. Stretching from Alaska to Puerto Rico, there are so many reasons to explore the States this year—from nature explorations, to food and wine trails and cultural immersions.
Step inside the best hotel room I've ever booked at an adults-only resort in Jackson Hole that costs $1,600 a night
In August 2024, the luxury ski town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, got a brand-new, adults-only resort.
The Best Places to Go in the US in 2025
To arrive at our list of the Best Places to Go in the US in 2025, we painted with the broadest strokes possible. Stretching from Alaska to Puerto Rico, there are so many reasons to explore the States this year—from nature explorations, to food and wine trails and cultural immersions.
I quit my high-paying job and left London for a small seaside town. I first struggled with the pace, but it was the best decision.
I never understood the concept of burnout at work. For me, the key to success in the rat race was simple: If you're hungry enough, you will endure; you can't possibly get tired of doing your job if you are tough enough.
JetBlue will fly to Spain for the first time. See how its Airbus A321neo compares to the country's flag carrier Iberia.
JetBlue Airways is redrawing its route network — and there is some good news for Europe-bound flyers.
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The Best Spring Skiing in North America, From British Columbia to Montana
I never bought into spring skiing until I flew to Aspen in March for the FIS Alpine Skiing Cup. As much as I love skiing, spring break destinations usually mean chasing the sun—not only because this East Coaster was skeptical about skiing conditions on the tail end of winter. When I arrived, though, snow was coming down steadily. The next morning? The skies had cleared, and the fresh powder was seemingly untouched—all conditions that make any ski or snowboarder want to stay out on the mountain forever.
I often travel with my family, but I just went to London by myself for the first time. It's the perfect city for solo travelers.
I didn't grow up in a family that traveled. The first time I vacationed outside the US was on my honeymoon, and just a few years after getting married, our first child was born, significantly slowing down our travels. It's only been since my kids got older that I've been traveling to spots I've always wanted to visit, like Italy and Mexico's Baja California peninsula .
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