This summer was my very first monsoon season. Before this, I experienced the tail end of it in the Maldives in 2019, and I have experienced the wet season in Jamaica. But an entire season of monsoon is a whole new beast. It can be as beautiful as it is terrifying and was not what I expected summer camping to be like in New Mexico.
What Is Monsoon Season?
Monsoon season is when the Desert Southwest (and other regions!) experiences increased rainfall and thunderstorms. The monsoon typically lasts from mid-June to mid-September. But, it can start as early as May and last into October. New Mexico and other dry regions rely on monsoon rains to reduce fire risks and maintain good water levels. That’s because this is typically the only time of year they get real rains.
What's It Like Camping During Monsoon Season?
Monsoon changes throughout the summer. It also differs based on where you are in New Mexico or other desert states. For example, when spring first changes into summer, some areas experience haboobs. These terrifying dust storms come rolling through with almost no warning.
By June, rainy afternoons became normal. I watched neighbors get stuck in their yards and saw previously dry, parched areas turn into large ponds. Some areas received daily rain, while in others, you could hear the thunder and see the lightning but the rain almost seemed to move around you.
Temperature variations were also insane. Before monsoon rains, we had finally hit triple digits for an entire week. Then, the temperatures dropped back to the 90s and 80s. In some places I've visited, daily temperatures reach the 70s and 80s. By nighttime, I'm snuggled under a blanket wondering why on Earth it's 60 degrees in New Mexico in the first week of August!
For these reasons and more, monsoon camping is an adventure. I have seen people tent camp in monsoon rains, and more power to them. I would not risk those high winds in a tent. The thunder and lightning have also been horrible enough to set the alarm off on my FJ Cruiser.
But, in an RV? You can watch the lightning storms from the safety of the sofa, sip your hot cocoa and listen to the rain on the roof.
What Should You Do To Prepare for Monsoon Camping?
Ironically, monsoon season coincides with wildfire season in the Desert Southwest. Not everywhere gets monsoon rains, and lightning can start deadly fires. Heavy rains can also make previously good roads almost impassable or just too high-risk to travel. Consequently, preparation is key.
Next week, paid subscribers will receive my top five tips on how to prepare for monsoon camping. I'll talk about what to expect, what to bring, and what to look out for at camp.
See you next time!