The Tularosa Basin, a high desert area, averaging 4,000 feet (1200+ meters) in elevation, is subject to harsh, and sometimes rapidly changing climatic conditions. Summers are hot, with high temperatures averaging 95�F. (35�C.) in July and August. Winters are relatively mild, but night time temperatures often go below freezing (0�C.) and cold spells can send the mercury below zero (0�F / -17�C). The lowest recorded temperature is -25�F (-32�C). Snowfall is infrequent, but heavy snows have occurred on occasion. Precipitation averages about 8 inches (20cm.) per year, with most falling during summer thunderstorms, often accompanied by lightning and hail.
Wind is the dominant climatic factor, especially from February through May. The prevailing southwesterly winds blow unimpeded across the desert and at times reach gale force. Wind storms can last for days in the spring. This is the time of the greatest dune movement, when living conditions for dune animal and plant communities become extremely harsh.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about White Sands National Monument
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in White Sands National Monument - updated May 2024
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White Sands National Monument Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
