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I am traveling to Santa Fe for the first time...my travel time is flexible. The reason behind this trip is one regarding relocation to the Santa Fe or Taos region due to business.
When would be a good time to travel to this region? Are there any "big weeks" that I should avoid due to tourist traffic...I'm trying to get a feel for what it would be like to actually live there. Weather conditions rarely bother me, by the way, so I do expect heat, altitude, chilly nights...or not...typical of desert-y places.
My family lived in this area decades ago, so I only have very old poignant stories to go by! Of course, I realize that everything has changed, but it is an exciting consideration to think of living here!
I'd really recommend October if at all possible. The summers here are busy and for some reason places here don't turn on their air conditioning. The Fall is my favorite time of year here.
I concur; autumn would be the best time to visit. If confined to the July/August timeframe, then make it as late in August as possible.
There are a number of reasons, with weather one. Summer is a lovely time, and desirable if you like afternoon thunderstorms. But autumn is arguably the nicest across the Rocky Mountain West, with clear warm days, cool nights, and a certain ethereal feel to the transition from summer to winter. Also in time (and in late August only hints at the highest elevations) such change reflected in the vivid colors of aspen and other vegetation as they begin to loose their leafs. All in all, a good time to enjoy such a place.
Another benefit later in the season will be the heavy influx of tourists having appreciably dissipated. The onset of school (possibly mid-August there) will see kids and their families forced to retreat. If one enjoys activity and crowds, then by all means make it July, otherwise a bit later will be more serene. Not coincidentally, one will also discover the availability and pricing of lodging better.
As far as business is concerned, Taos and Santa Fe are not much the same. They both share in common about the same elevation (7,000 feet), and also relative isolation and diminutive sizes in comparison to Albuquerque. Especially Taos. If this business can be conducted from most anyplace you like, then no matter, but otherwise the practicalities of market size and location may be deciding factors.
I agree with everyone else - September/October is your best time to visit. The tourists are down a little after school starts. Also, Spanish Market and Indian Market are in late summer (I think) and you should avoid that. And, most importantly, it is the most awesome time of year. I love the perfect weather (mostly), the smell of roasting chile, the smell of pinon burning (in fireplaces), and the trees turning color. It's simply a beautiful time of year. I will say; however, it is tough to grasp what Santa Fe is in just a couple visits. It's one of those places that takes a while to get to know and then you get really hooked.
Have a great trip.
Only thing I would add is that monsoon season (July/August) is awesome for the light show. It's like having a national park come to you.
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Late August - or later
