Santa Fe Travel and Things to Do Guide
Welcome to Cvent's Santa Fe meeting planning guide – a city guide for meeting planning professionals. Santa Fe's breathtaking landscape, rich heritage and culture, and electrifying spirit have made it a favorite for business and leisure travelers alike. The city is frequently the recipient of awards and praise; not surprisingly, over 1.2 million people visit New Mexico's capital city every year.
Easily accessible, Santa Fe is located just an hour outside of New Mexico's largest airport, Albuquerque International Sunport. As the state's major air gateway, Albuquerque International offers nonstop service to 30 cities throughout the United States. Transportation within the city is just as convenient, thanks to public bus service and a light rail system. Many guests, though, find that this fairly compact city is best explored by foot.
When it comes to meetings and conventions, both planners and attendees sing the praises of the 40,000-square-foot Santa Fe Community Convention Center. A sparkling jewel in the city's meetings crown, this Pueblo Revival-style building is in the heart of downtown, among Santa Fe's finest hotels, restaurants, and attractions, as well as 2,000 guest rooms. The center boasts an impressive 40,000 square feet of event space, spread across fantastic Santa Fe event venues, such as the 2,500-square-foot art gallery and nearly 18,000-square-foot ballroom. What's more, the Santa Fe Community Convention Center is designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification, thanks to its rainwater and irrigation system, recycling centers, and other eco-friendly features.
Smaller events are not at a loss for space in Santa Fe, as the city offers an additional 184,000 square feet of unique space in its many hotels and historic sites. Host an event at the Santa Fe Plaza's Palace of the Governors, which was built in the early 17th century as Spain's seat of government. Paying homage to Santa Fe's native arts, the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture celebrates the diverse cultures of the Southwest and is a memorable backdrop for black-tie galas of up to 800 people. Meanwhile, Geronimo – New Mexico's only Mobil/Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four Diamond restaurant – makes a fantastic private space for smaller lunch and dinner events.
The government is the largest employer in Santa Fe, followed by the hospitality industry. The city has recently seen a rise in technology-based businesses, and, with more than 240 art galleries and dealers, it is considered to be the third-largest art market in the United States. Higher learning holds a strong presence in Santa Fe, home to St. John's College, Santa Fe Community College, and the Institute of American Indian Arts.
Easily accessible, Santa Fe is located just an hour outside of New Mexico's largest airport, Albuquerque International Sunport. As the state's major air gateway, Albuquerque International offers nonstop service to 30 cities throughout the United States. Transportation within the city is just as convenient, thanks to public bus service and a light rail system. Many guests, though, find that this fairly compact city is best explored by foot.
When it comes to meetings and conventions, both planners and attendees sing the praises of the 40,000-square-foot Santa Fe Community Convention Center. A sparkling jewel in the city's meetings crown, this Pueblo Revival-style building is in the heart of downtown, among Santa Fe's finest hotels, restaurants, and attractions, as well as 2,000 guest rooms. The center boasts an impressive 40,000 square feet of event space, spread across fantastic Santa Fe event venues, such as the 2,500-square-foot art gallery and nearly 18,000-square-foot ballroom. What's more, the Santa Fe Community Convention Center is designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification, thanks to its rainwater and irrigation system, recycling centers, and other eco-friendly features.
Smaller events are not at a loss for space in Santa Fe, as the city offers an additional 184,000 square feet of unique space in its many hotels and historic sites. Host an event at the Santa Fe Plaza's Palace of the Governors, which was built in the early 17th century as Spain's seat of government. Paying homage to Santa Fe's native arts, the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture celebrates the diverse cultures of the Southwest and is a memorable backdrop for black-tie galas of up to 800 people. Meanwhile, Geronimo – New Mexico's only Mobil/Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four Diamond restaurant – makes a fantastic private space for smaller lunch and dinner events.
The government is the largest employer in Santa Fe, followed by the hospitality industry. The city has recently seen a rise in technology-based businesses, and, with more than 240 art galleries and dealers, it is considered to be the third-largest art market in the United States. Higher learning holds a strong presence in Santa Fe, home to St. John's College, Santa Fe Community College, and the Institute of American Indian Arts.
Weather and Seasonality
Santa Fe features four distinct seasons with cool winters and very warm summers. Temperatures can fluctuate around 30 degrees during the day because of the city's elevation and cool evenings. The city is warmest in July, when temperatures average a high of 86°F and a low of 54°F but can reach the mid- to upper-90s. The coldest month is January, with an average high of 48°F and average low of 15°F.
Santa Fe receives an average of 2 to 3 inches of rain per month in the summer, with July and August as the rainiest months. It can also see about 5 inches of snow per month over the winter season; snow can even fall as late as April. The best time to visit Santa Fe is in early summer and fall, both of which offer abundant sunshine and moderate humidity.
Santa Fe receives an average of 2 to 3 inches of rain per month in the summer, with July and August as the rainiest months. It can also see about 5 inches of snow per month over the winter season; snow can even fall as late as April. The best time to visit Santa Fe is in early summer and fall, both of which offer abundant sunshine and moderate humidity.
| Month | High/Low °F | Seasonality |
|---|---|---|
| January | 43°/19° | - |
| February | 48°/22° | - |
| March | 54°/26° | - |
| April | 64°/34° | - |
| May | 74°/44° | - |
| June | 84°/53° | - |
| July | 87°/58° | - |
| August | 84°/56° | - |
| September | 81°/50° | - |
| October | 68°/39° | - |
| November | 52°/24° | - |
| December | 45°/19° | - |