Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM

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Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico - dconvertini, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Today’s Forecast:

☀
52°F
High: 64° | Low: 50°
Current Temperature
Clear
Station: KCNM
Observed at: 9:20 am CST on 11/13/26
Wind: 3 mph | Humidity: 82%
Today:A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2pm and 5pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny. High near 64, with temperatures falling to around 59 in the afternoon. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight:Showers and thunderstorms before 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Saturday:Mostly sunny. High near 61, with temperatures falling to around 56 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.
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Today’s Report:

🥾 Hiking

Fair
  65 /100

Fair for hiking. High near 61°F. Low rain risk (5%). Breezy winds (20 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

  • Temp: Favorable conditions
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Marginal weather factor
  • Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Excellent 87/100
Excellent for hiking. High near 50°F. Light wind (15 mph).

⛺ Camping

Use Caution
  45 /100

Use Caution for camping. High near 61°F. Low rain risk (5%). Breezy winds (20 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

  • Temp: Favorable conditions
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Marginal weather factor
  • Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Excellent 97/100
Excellent for camping. High near 50°F. Breezy winds (15 mph).

🎪 Outdoor Events / Activities

Use Caution
  44 /100

Use Caution for outdoor events / activities. High near 61°F. Low rain risk (5%). Breezy winds (20 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

  • Temp: Marginal weather factor
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Marginal weather factor
  • Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Fair 67/100
Fair for outdoor events / activities. High near 50°F. Breezy winds (15 mph).

About Carlsbad Caverns National Park

This forecast point represents the main visitor approach and should be adjusted for elevation and exposure across the coverage area. Planning decisions include surface heat, entrance operations, lightning, road flooding, bat-flight timing and cave-surface contrast.

Planning an Outing at Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Check the exact road, trail, water, fire, park or operating notice before departure. Conditions near Carlsbad may not represent the highest, most exposed or most remote part of the destination.

Weather Tips for Carlsbad Caverns National Park

  • Carry water, sun protection and layers for rapid temperature changes.
  • Leave ridges, open water, washes and exposed ground before lightning arrives.
  • Check wind, smoke, fire restrictions and access for the specific activity.
  • Expect limited cell service and longer response times away from developed areas.

Nearby Towns and Areas

Use this forecast as practical context for:

  • Carlsbad
  • Whites City
  • Walnut Canyon
  • Rattlesnake Springs

Adjust the Day to the Forecast

Use the indoor cavern route when surface heat is excessive, but recognize that road access and the outdoor bat program can still be delayed or canceled.

7-Day Forecast for Carlsbad Caverns National Park

☀
52°F
High: 64° | Low: 50°
Current Temperature
Clear
Station: KCNM
Observed at: 9:20 am CST on 11/13/26
Wind: 3 mph | Humidity: 82%
Fri ⛈
64° 50°
66%
Sat ⛅
61° 49°
5%
Sun ☀
58° 44°
0%
Mon ⛅
49° 43°
1%
Tue ⛅
51° 45°
13%
Wed ⛅
59° 44°
2%
Thu ☀
59° 47°
2%

7-Day High Temperature Trend

64° Fri 61° Sat 58° Sun 49° Mon 51° Tue 59° Wed 59° Thu

7-Day Low Temperature Trend

50° Fri 49° Sat 44° Sun 43° Mon 45° Tue 44° Wed 47° Thu

📊 7-Day Outdoor Outlook

Good Fair Poor 65 Fri 97 Sat 100 Sun 20 Mon 75 Tue 100 Wed 100 Thu
Forecast data from the National Weather Service  |  Last Updated: November 13, 2026 9:30 pm CST

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Weather by Season

Winter

The cavern stays comparatively stable while surface roads and trails can be cold or icy. Seasonal judgment must account for surface heat, entrance operations, lightning, road flooding, bat-flight timing and cave-surface contrast.

Spring

Surface wind and warming afternoons affect entrance hikes and scheduled programs. Seasonal judgment must account for surface heat, entrance operations, lightning, road flooding, bat-flight timing and cave-surface contrast.

Summer

Dangerous surface heat and lightning contrast with the cave; bat programs may cancel. Seasonal judgment must account for surface heat, entrance operations, lightning, road flooding, bat-flight timing and cave-surface contrast.

Fall

Bat activity continues into autumn as surface heat eases and frontal winds return. Seasonal judgment must account for surface heat, entrance operations, lightning, road flooding, bat-flight timing and cave-surface contrast.

Key Climate Data Points

  • Approximate annual average temperature: roughly 58–64°F, strongly modified by elevation.
  • Annual snowfall: limited at low elevations and not a primary planning factor.
  • Warmest period: June through August, with lower desert areas hottest before monsoon moisture peaks.
  • Summer monsoon: July into September is the principal thunderstorm period.
  • Best outdoor window: Varies by elevation; spring and fall favor lower terrain while summer favors early high-country starts.