Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Carlsbad Caverns National Park
  2. Important essentials for Carlsbad Caverns National Park
  3. Activities for Carlsbad Caverns National Park
  4. Carlsbad Caverns National Park in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Carlsbad Caverns National Park in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Carlsbad Caverns National Park in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Carlsbad Caverns National Park in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Carlsbad Caverns National Park in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Carlsbad Caverns National Park in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Carlsbad Caverns National Park in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Carlsbad Caverns National Park in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Carlsbad Caverns National Park in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Carlsbad Caverns National Park in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Carlsbad Caverns National Park in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Carlsbad Caverns National Park in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, United States of America, the best time to go is May. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, United States of America by month

January

If you vacation in Carlsbad Caverns National Park during January, you are likely to see that it is cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

February in Carlsbad Caverns National Park is chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the right type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

March

If you go to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in March, you will notice that it is balmy and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct type. Most adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

If you go to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in April, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the correct kind. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

May

May for Carlsbad Caverns National Park is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the correct type. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

June

June in this region can be very hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

July

July in this region is really hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

August in Carlsbad Caverns National Park is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the correct type. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

If you vacation in Carlsbad Caverns National Park during September, you are likely to notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the right kind. Most adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

October

If you visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park during October, you might see that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

November

November in Carlsbad Caverns National Park is relatively cool and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the necessary type. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

December in this region can be chilly. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the necessary type. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

What to do in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, United States of America

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is one of the most fascinating places in the United States of America. Located in southeastern New Mexico, this national park is home to a network of over 119 limestone caves and is known for its unique geological formations, underground waterfalls, and wondrous natural beauty. Here's a list of top tourist attractions in Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

1. The Big Room: The Big Room is the most popular tourist attraction in the park. It's a massive underground chamber that's almost 4,000 feet long, 625 feet wide, and 255 feet high. It contains a variety of spectacular rock formations, including stalagmites, stalactites, and columns.

2. Bat Flight Program: Watching thousands of bats emerge from the caverns at sunset is one of the most remarkable experiences in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The Bat Flight Program is held every evening during the summer months and attracts hundreds of tourists.

3. Guadalupe Mountains: The Guadalupe Mountains are a range of mountains located in the park's northwest region. They offer stunning views of the desert landscape and are home to several hiking trails for visitors to explore.

4. Natural Entrance: Carlsbad Caverns National Park also offers visitors the option to enter the caverns through a natural entrance, which is a steep, winding footpath that descends 750 feet into the caverns.

5. King's Palace: King's Palace is another fascinating attraction located in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. It's a series of interconnected caves that feature shimmering calcite formations, massive rooms, and underground lakes.

6. Rattlesnake Springs: Rattlesnake Springs is a beautiful oasis located in the park's southern region. It features a crystal clear pool and a diversity of plant and animal life. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, hiking, and picnicking in the area.

7. Slaughter Canyon Cave: Slaughter Canyon Cave is another fascinating attraction in the park. It's a challenging cave to explore and features unique formations like the Doll's Theater, which consists of several stalactites that resemble dolls.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is truly a remarkable place to visit. From the breathtaking natural scenery to the fascinating geological formations, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this amazing park. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or a fan of underground caverns, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a must-visit destination.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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