Honestly, if you're checking the weather forecast Raton NM, you probably already know this isn't your typical high-desert town. It sits at an elevation of about 6,667 feet. That's high. Because of that, the atmosphere here behaves like a moody teenager. One minute it's 55°F and sunny, and the next, a "Blue Norther" screams down from the Colorado border and drops the temperature 30 degrees in an hour.
It's basically a gatekeeper city.
Being the first major stop south of the Colorado line on I-25, Raton is famous (or infamous) for Raton Pass. When the weather forecast Raton NM mentions snow, travelers start sweating. That pass hits 7,834 feet. If the town is getting a light dusting, the pass is often a white-out nightmare.
Right now, in mid-January 2026, we're seeing some weirdly warm spikes mixed with bitter cold. Yesterday, January 15, we hit a high near 56°F. That sounds lovely, right? But tonight, a cold front is pushing through. We’re looking at a low near 13°F by Friday night. That’s a massive swing.
The Raton Pass Factor: What the Forecast Often Misses
The biggest mistake people make when looking at the weather forecast Raton NM is assuming the town's weather is the same as the road conditions on the pass.
It’s not.
The Raton Municipal Airport (Crews Field) is a bit lower and further south. It might report clear skies while the actual pass is getting hammered by orographic lift—that's just a fancy way of saying the mountains force the air up, it cools, and it dumps snow.
Wind: The Silent Culprit
Wind is the real boss in Colfax County. In the spring, especially around April, you’ll see average wind speeds of 13 mph, but gusts can easily top 40 or 50 mph. These aren't just "breezes." They are the kind of winds that rock high-profile vehicles. If you're driving a semi-truck or hauling a camper, a "windy" forecast here is a serious warning.
On Friday, January 16, 2026, we’re expecting those north-northeast winds to be relatively calm at 5 to 10 mph. But don't get used to it. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque often has to issue advisories for this specific corridor because the wind funnels through the mountains.
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Seasonal Reality Check
You’ve got to understand the four distinct seasons here to survive them.
Winter (November - February):
It’s freezing. Literally. The average low in December and January is around 15°F to 18°F. Snowfall isn't actually that heavy compared to the ski resorts—maybe 28 inches a year—but it stays cold enough that ice persists.
Spring (March - May):
This is the "trickster" season. March is actually the snowiest month on average, with about 5.8 inches. You’ll think winter is over, and then a spring blizzard shuts down the interstate.
Summer (June - August):
Summer is gorgeous. Highs stay in the low 80s. July is the wettest month, thanks to the North American Monsoon. You get those afternoon thunderstorms that roll in around 2:00 PM, dump rain for 20 minutes, and leave everything smelling like sage and wet dirt.
Fall (September - October):
Arguably the best time. September has the most sunshine (around 80%). The air is crisp, and the humidity stays around 43%, which feels amazing if you’re coming from the coast.
Why Does the Weather Forecast Raton NM Change So Fast?
The geography is doing it. Raton sits at the base of the Raton Mesa and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are to the west. This creates a "microclimate."
When a storm moves in from the Pacific, it loses most of its moisture on the western slopes of the Rockies. By the time it hits us, it’s often dry but incredibly windy. However, when we get an "Upslope" flow from the east or north, that moisture gets trapped against the mountains. That’s when Raton gets buried.
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Practical Tips for Tracking the Forecast
If you're actually planning a trip or live here, don't just look at the little sun icon on your phone.
- Check the "Feels Like" Temp: Because the humidity is so low (often under 20%), the shade feels 10 degrees colder than the sun.
- Monitor NWS Albuquerque: They handle the official alerts for this area.
- Watch the Barometer: Rapidly falling pressure here almost always means the wind is about to turn violent.
- NMroads.com is Your Friend: If you are checking the weather forecast Raton NM for travel, the road sensors on the pass are more important than the town's temperature.
Looking ahead at the next few days in January 2026, things stay mostly clear but chilly. Saturday, January 17, will likely see a high of 38°F and a low of 15°F. It’s dry, which is good for the roads, but keep an eye on Sunday night. There's a slight chance of some cloud cover moving in that could drop the "feels like" temp into the single digits.
Basically, keep a heavy coat in the car. Even if it’s 60°F at noon, it won't be by sunset.
To stay safe and prepared, always check the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) live cameras for Raton Pass specifically before heading north on I-25. If the forecast predicts a "sudden drop" in temperature, assume the bridge decks and the pass will freeze over long before the city streets do. Dress in layers, keep your tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freeze, and never trust a clear sky in March.