Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- Important essentials for Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- Activities for Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park in January: weather and what to pack
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park in February: weather and what to pack
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park in March: weather and what to pack
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park in April: weather and what to pack
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park in May: weather and what to pack
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park in June: weather and what to pack
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park in July: weather and what to pack
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park in August: weather and what to pack
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park in September: weather and what to pack
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park in October: weather and what to pack
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park in November: weather and what to pack
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park in December: weather and what to pack

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.
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, the best time to go is May. See below for details.
Important essentials for Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, United States of America
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.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly option.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear out. An unreadable vaccine card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
General health necessities
Don't forget these
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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.
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Airplane or car necessities
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one is sufficent for most places, but check with your hotel.
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you are traveling to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in January, you will notice that it can be chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
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Light gloves or mittens
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Warm pants or jeans
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Extra socks
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Fleece
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Jacket or coat
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Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this one
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Standard footwear
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Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, we suggest these boots:
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Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
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A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a great choice.
February
If you are traveling to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in February, you will notice that it is cool. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
March
March here is mild and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
April
If you visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park during April, you might see that it is warm and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
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Sandals
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Light skirts
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Extra socks
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Long and short sleeve shirts
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Sunscreen lotion
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Short pants or heavy shorts
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Bug repellent
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Breathable footwear or sandals
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Light dresses
You can find some great options here
May
May is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
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Skirts
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Sunglasses
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Waterproof sandals
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Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
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Bug repellent
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Loose-fit shorts
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Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
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Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
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Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
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A rain coat to layer with another jacket
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100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
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Rain pants
These pants can be vital in heavy rain.
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Waterproof phone bag
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Umbrella
This one is a great option.
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Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
June
June here is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
July
July here is extremely hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
August
August in Carlsbad Caverns National Park is consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
September
September is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
October
Traveling to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in October, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
November
Traveling to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in November, you will notice that it is crisp and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
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