El Malpais National Monument, NM

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El Malpais National Conservation Area
El Malpais National Conservation Area - Alexander Hatley, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Today’s Forecast:

☀
63°F
High: 63° | Low: 47°
Current Temperature
Clear
Station: KGNT
Observed at: 8:35 pm CDT on 9/26/26
Wind: 0 mph | Humidity: 66%
Tonight:Areas of fog after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. South wind around 0 mph.
Sunday:Areas of fog before 9am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Southwest wind 0 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night:Scattered rain showers between midnight and 3am, then scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. West wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
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Today’s Report:

🥾 Hiking

Excellent
  100 /100

Excellent for hiking. High near 71°F. Low rain risk (6%). Light wind (10 mph).

  • Temp: Favorable conditions
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 15/100
Not Recommended for hiking. High near 61°F. High rain probability (86%). Light wind (10 mph). Thunderstorms forecast or possible.

🚲 Biking

Excellent
  100 /100

Excellent for biking. High near 71°F. Low rain risk (6%). Light wind (10 mph).

  • Temp: Favorable conditions
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 15/100
Not Recommended for biking. High near 61°F. High rain probability (86%). Light wind (10 mph). Thunderstorms forecast or possible.

⛺ Camping

Excellent
  100 /100

Excellent for camping. High near 71°F. Low rain risk (6%). Light wind (10 mph).

  • Temp: Favorable conditions
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 15/100
Not Recommended for camping. High near 61°F. High rain probability (86%). Light wind (10 mph). Thunderstorms forecast or possible.

About El Malpais National Monument

This forecast point represents the main visitor approach and should be adjusted for elevation and exposure across the coverage area. Planning decisions include sharp lava terrain, little shade, dirt roads, smoke, snow and monsoon exposure.

Planning an Outing at El Malpais National Monument

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

Weather Tips for El Malpais National Monument

  • 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:

  • Grants
  • El Calderon
  • Sandstone Bluffs
  • Chain of Craters

Adjust the Day to the Forecast

Trade a long lava crossing for a short overlook or paved-access trail when heat, smoke, ice or muddy back roads increase rescue difficulty.

7-Day Forecast for El Malpais National Monument

☀
63°F
High: 63° | Low: 47°
Current Temperature
Clear
Station: KGNT
Observed at: 8:35 pm CDT on 9/26/26
Wind: 0 mph | Humidity: 66%
Sun 🌫
72° 49°
1%
Mon ⛈
63° 47°
86%
Tue ⛈
58° 42°
87%
Wed ⛈
61° 41°
54%
Thu ☀
66° 41°
6%
Fri ☀
68° 42°
0%
Sat ☀
70° --°
1%

7-Day High Temperature Trend

72° Sun 63° Mon 58° Tue 61° Wed 66° Thu 68° Fri 70° Sat

7-Day Low Temperature Trend

49° Sun 47° Mon 42° Tue 41° Wed 41° Thu 42° Fri 50° Sat

📊 7-Day Outdoor Outlook

Good Fair Poor 100 Sun 21 Mon 21 Tue 21 Wed 100 Thu 100 Fri 100 Sat
Forecast data from the National Weather Service  |  Last Updated: September 26, 2026 9:16 pm CDT

El Malpais National Monument Weather by Season

Winter

Snow and ice hide uneven lava surfaces and can complicate remote-road travel. Seasonal judgment must account for sharp lava terrain, little shade, dirt roads, smoke, snow and monsoon exposure.

Spring

Wind, dry air and fire restrictions grow more important before monsoon moisture arrives. Seasonal judgment must account for sharp lava terrain, little shade, dirt roads, smoke, snow and monsoon exposure.

Summer

Black lava intensifies heat while lightning and runoff threaten exposed routes. Seasonal judgment must account for sharp lava terrain, little shade, dirt roads, smoke, snow and monsoon exposure.

Fall

Cool days favor longer hikes until early snow or smoke changes traction and visibility. Seasonal judgment must account for sharp lava terrain, little shade, dirt roads, smoke, snow and monsoon exposure.

Key Climate Data Points

  • Approximate annual average temperature: roughly 48–58°F, strongly modified by elevation.
  • Annual snowfall: usually light and intermittent, though nearby high terrain receives much more.
  • 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.