Guadalupe Mountains & McKittrick Canyon, TX
Today’s Forecast:
Today’s Report:
Hiking
Use Caution for hiking. High near 55°F. Risk of rain later today (52%). Thunderstorms forecast later today.
- Temp: Favorable conditions
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
Camping
Use Caution for camping. High near 55°F. Risk of rain later today (52%). Thunderstorms forecast later today.
- Temp: Favorable conditions
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
Outdoor Events / Activities
Use Caution for outdoor events / activities. High near 55°F. Rain forecast later today (52%). Thunderstorms forecast later today.
- Temp: Marginal weather factor
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
About Guadalupe Mountains & McKittrick Canyon
This page connects recreation around Pine Springs with Guadalupe Peak. A single point captures the broad weather pattern, while the named access areas supply the operating detail.
Plan Around Conditions
Check the campground or backcountry status near Pine Springs, then carry water and turnaround time appropriate to the least shaded part of the route. Consult the city, venue, course or land manager responsible for the selected activity before relying on conditional access.
Weather Tips
- Descend from summits, rims and exposed rock when cells build toward Guadalupe Peak; the parking-area sky can lag the terrain.
- For heat, favor the portion near Pine Springs with the shortest return and dependable shade or drinking-water plan.
Nearby Towns and Areas
- Pine Springs
- Guadalupe Peak
- McKittrick Canyon
- Salt Basin Dunes
- Dog Canyon
Adjust the Day to the Forecast
Replace the exposed objective with a lower, shorter route toward Pine Springs when ridge wind, lightning or heat removes the turnaround margin.
7-Day Forecast
Weather by Season
Winter
Snow or ice can linger on high routes above Pine Springs while desert approaches remain dry; wind chill and road status determine whether elevation is usable.
Spring
Spring favors longer outings until persistent west wind, blowing dust or low humidity raises exposure and fire concern around Guadalupe Peak.
Summer
Heat limits lower routes, while late-summer monsoon cells can produce lightning and sudden runoff; high wind needs an early decision rather than a late retreat.
Fall
October and November usually improve travel margins, but dry fuels, shorter daylight and isolated storms still affect access toward Guadalupe Peak.
Key Climate Data Points
- Local climate: High mountain, canyon and desert conditions near Pine Springs make high wind the leading local planning signal.
- Annual mean temperature: Near Pine Springs, the annual mean temperature is generally in the low to mid-60s °F, with much cooler conditions at elevation; higher ridges run colder and windier than the approach.
- Warmest or primary-use period: June through August is the hottest period; high wind often determines whether the primary activity remains practical.
- Coldest or limited-access period: December through February is coolest; snowfall is variable and generally brief, while ice, wind and shaded-road conditions cause the larger access impact.
- Most consequential precipitation period: Late summer monsoon intervals and early fall is the most consequential precipitation period here because it can affect high wind near Guadalupe Peak.
- Primary hazard timing: May through september heat and monsoon storms most directly affects exposed-ridge lightning.
- Best general outdoor window: October through april for lower desert routes; high elevations require a separate forecast; the useful window still depends on high wind.