Southeast New Mexico in September

March through May offers perfect weather for cave exploration and desert hiking. Temperatures hover in the 70s, wildflowers bloom briefly after winter rains, and the famous bat flights at Carlsbad Caverns haven't started yet. But you'll miss the bats. September through November brings the best of both worlds: comfortable temperatures and active bat flights. The Mexican free-tailed bats return in April and stay through October, with peak activity in September. Sunset bat flights happen nightly when bats are present, weather permitting. Summer means brutal heat – often over 100°F – but caves maintain a constant 56°F underground. If you visit June through August, plan cave tours for midday and outdoor activities for early morning or evening. White Sands becomes nearly unbearable in afternoon heat. Winter brings mild days and freezing nights. Snow occasionally dusts the Sacramento Mountains, making Cloudcroft a winter retreat. But some mountain roads close during storms, and bat flights don't happen from November through March.