Ruidoso, 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 Ruidoso, New Mexico, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Ruidoso, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Ruidoso, New Mexico, United States of America

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

What to wear/what to pack for Ruidoso, New Mexico, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Ruidoso, New Mexico, United States of America by month

January

January in Ruidoso can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows occasionally.

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.

  • 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 Ruidoso. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the correct type. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the Hubbard Museum of the American West, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February in Ruidoso can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ruidoso. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the right type. Many adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you visit the Hubbard Museum of the American West, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March is 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

  • 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ruidoso. 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the right kind. The majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you visit the Hubbard Museum of the American West, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April is balmy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ruidoso. 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 huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the Hubbard Museum of the American West, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May in Ruidoso is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 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 bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ruidoso. 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 recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Hubbard Museum of the American West, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

June here is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ruidoso. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the right type. Many adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the Hubbard Museum of the American West, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

If you visit Ruidoso during July, you might notice that it is extremely warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ruidoso. 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 belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • 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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the right type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Hubbard Museum of the American West, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

In August, Ruidoso is a perfect temperature. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) and about a third of the time jump into the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Ruidoso, with a few of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ruidoso. 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 things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the correct type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Hubbard Museum of the American West, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September in Ruidoso is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find 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 Ruidoso. 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 prices 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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the necessary kind. Many adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you visit the Hubbard Museum of the American West, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October in Ruidoso is mild. 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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ruidoso. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • 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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the Hubbard Museum of the American West, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November in this region is cool. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s 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 Ruidoso. 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 stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the correct type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you visit the Hubbard Museum of the American West, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December in Ruidoso is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • 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 Ruidoso. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the right kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the Hubbard Museum of the American West, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Ruidoso, New Mexico, United States of America

Ruidoso, New Mexico is a charming mountain town nestled in the southern Rockies at an altitude of 7,000 feet. It's known for its natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cultural attractions that attract visitors year-round. Whether you're seeking relaxation, excitement, or a bit of both, Ruidoso has plenty to offer.

Here are some top tourist attractions to explore in Ruidoso, New Mexico.

1. Ski Apache: As the southernmost ski resort in the United States, Ski Apache offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding experiences in the region. With over 55 runs, a terrain park, and breathtaking views of the Southern Rockies, Ski Apache is a popular destination during the winter months.

2. Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino: Located just a few minutes from downtown Ruidoso, the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino is a major attraction for horse racing fans and casino lovers alike. The race track hosts live racing events during the summer, while the casino offers over 300 slot machines and various table games.

3. Lincoln National Forest: With over 1.1 million acres of pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife, Lincoln National Forest is a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The forest offers a range of activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. It's also home to several scenic drives such as the Lincoln National Forest Scenic Byway, which winds through the mountains and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

4. The Hubbard Museum of the American West: The Hubbard Museum of the American West is a must-visit attraction in Ruidoso for history and culture buffs. With exhibits showcasing the cowboy and ranching life of the American West, this museum offers a glimpse into the region's rich heritage.

5. Grindstone Lake and Trail System: Located in the heart of Ruidoso, Grindstone Lake is a year-round destination for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and boating. The trail system surrounding the lake offers a variety of difficulty levels, allowing visitors to find the perfect route to suit their interests and abilities.

6. Pillow's Funtrackers: For family-friendly fun, Pillow's Funtrackers is a popular destination. This amusement park features go-karts, bumper boats, mini-golf, and other attractions that are sure to entertain visitors of all ages.

7. Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts: As a state-of-the-art performance venue, the Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, including music, theater, and dance performances. With a stunning setting and world-class acoustics, it's a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates the arts.

8. Wild Horse Museum: Ruidoso is famous for its wild horses, and the Wild Horse Museum is the perfect place to learn about these majestic animals. Visitors can see exhibits detailing the history of wild horses in the region, see photographs, and watch informative videos that highlight the beauty and uniqueness of Ruidoso's wild horses.

In conclusion, Ruidoso, New Mexico, is a diverse and exciting town with something to offer for everyone. From skiing and snowboarding to hiking and mountain biking, and from horse racing to cultural and historical exhibits, visitors will find plenty of attractions to enjoy. So book your trip to Ruidoso today, and start exploring this scenic mountain town!

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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