White Sands National Monument, New Mexico, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to White Sands National Monument, New Mexico, United States of America? If you're planning to go to White Sands National Monument, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to White Sands National Monument
- Important essentials for White Sands National Monument
- Activities for White Sands National Monument
- White Sands National Monument in January: weather and what to pack
- White Sands National Monument in February: weather and what to pack
- White Sands National Monument in March: weather and what to pack
- White Sands National Monument in April: weather and what to pack
- White Sands National Monument in May: weather and what to pack
- White Sands National Monument in June: weather and what to pack
- White Sands National Monument in July: weather and what to pack
- White Sands National Monument in August: weather and what to pack
- White Sands National Monument in September: weather and what to pack
- White Sands National Monument in October: weather and what to pack
- White Sands National Monument in November: weather and what to pack
- White Sands National Monument 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 White Sands National Monument, New Mexico, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in White Sands National Monument, the best time to go is May. See below for details.
Important essentials for White Sands National Monument, New Mexico, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in White Sands National Monument, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection possible.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
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).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear out. An unreadable card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be sufficient for most places, but check with your hotel.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in White Sands National Monument. 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.
What to wear/what to pack for White Sands National Monument, New Mexico, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you go to White Sands National Monument in January, you will notice that it can be chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Sweaters
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Gloves
-
Heavy jacket
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to White Sands National Monument, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect choice.
February
Traveling to White Sands National Monument in February, you will notice that it is cool. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this one
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to White Sands National Monument, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is important here. This one is a great option.
March
March in White Sands National Monument is mild and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
April
April in White Sands National Monument is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
May
If you are traveling to White Sands National Monument in May, you will notice that it can be very hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
June
If you are traveling to White Sands National Monument in June, you will notice that it is a scorcher and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are created to keep you cool and can provide UV protection.
-
Light linen shorts
-
Sunglasses
Bug bite relief
-
Skirts
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Don't forget bring additional, since these are likely to get wet or dirty.
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
UV protecting pants
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered to keep you cool:
July
If you are traveling to White Sands National Monument in July, you will notice that it is sweltering. Daytime temperatures are in the high 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Remember to bring extra, as these often get wet or dirty.
-
Skirts
-
Personal cooling fan
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
Bug bite relief
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed for cooling:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are created to cool you and to provide UV protection.
-
Sun protecting pants
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Light linen shorts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
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 perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
August
Traveling to White Sands National Monument in August, you will notice that it is sizzling. Daytime temperatures are in the 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Don't forget bring additional, since these easily get wet or dirty.
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Light linen shorts
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to keep you cool and can provide UV protection.
-
Sunglasses
-
Protecting pants
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Waterproof sandals
Bug bite relief
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered to help you stay cool:
-
Insulated water bottle
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
September
If you go to White Sands National Monument in September, you will notice that it is consistently hot. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also filters contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
October
October for White Sands National Monument is warm and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
November
If you are traveling to White Sands National Monument in November, you will notice that it is balmy. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
December
December in White Sands National Monument is cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Lip balm
Our pick: here
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Heavy jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting White Sands National Monument, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a great choice.
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