Spring in Northern New Mexico brings a shift in the landscape, and with it, the winds. Around Abiquiu, the winds start picking up in March, peaking in April and May, shaping the mesas, stirring up dust, and reminding everyone that summer isn’t far off.
For those new to the area, spring winds are something to get used to. Gusts can reach 40 to 50 mph on certain days, carrying the scent of juniper and sage through the valleys—which is either refreshing or a seasonal attack on your sinuses, depending on how your immune system feels about juniper pollen. Some days, the wind kicks up dust devils across the open flats, while others bring a steady breeze that cools the warm afternoon sun.
Abiquiu Lake, a major draw for boating and fishing, can get rough in the wind, with whitecaps forming quickly. It’s something to keep in mind for those planning a day on the water—calm mornings can give way to choppy afternoons. The same goes for hiking in the nearby national forests or exploring the Chama River canyon; early outings are best before the afternoon gusts pick up.
For those looking at property in the area, spring winds are part of the landscape. They shape the terrain, sculpt the sandstone cliffs, and are a defining feature of life in Northern New Mexico. A well-placed home with natural windbreaks—cottonwoods along the river, piñon and juniper clusters, or an adobe courtyard—can make all the difference.
The wind also plays a role in the region’s natural cycle. It carries moisture from spring storms across the high desert, spreads the seeds of wildflowers and native grasses, and helps clear the air for those expansive, unfiltered views that make Abiquiu so unique. It’s just another reminder that nature is always in motion here.
By late May and early June, the winds settle, giving way to warmer, more predictable summer weather.
