Anthony is a small town located in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, United States. Situated in the southern part of the state, near the border with Texas and Mexico, Anthony enjoys a strategic location along Interstate 10. The town is part of the larger Las Cruces metropolitan area and is approximately 16 miles north of the city of Las Cruces. Anthony is characterized by its semi-arid desert climate and is surrounded by vast expanses of desert landscape. Despite its small size, Anthony serves as a gateway to the Chihuahuan Desert and offers visitors opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the region. The town’s population is around 9,360 residents, according to the latest census data, and it covers an area of approximately 4.4 square miles.
Climate and Weather Overview
To provide a comprehensive overview of the climate in Anthony, let’s examine the average temperature, precipitation, and number of sunny days for each month of the year.
| Month | Average Temperature (Fahrenheit) | Precipitation (inches) | Sunny Days |
| January | 57°F | 0.33 inches | 25 days |
| February | 62°F | 0.37 inches | 25 days |
| March | 70°F | 0.25 inches | 27 days |
| April | 78°F | 0.18 inches | 28 days |
| May | 86°F | 0.33 inches | 30 days |
| June | 94°F | 0.59 inches | 30 days |
| July | 97°F | 1.34 inches | 30 days |
| August | 96°F | 1.39 inches | 29 days |
| September | 90°F | 0.85 inches | 29 days |
| October | 81°F | 0.68 inches | 29 days |
| November | 68°F | 0.40 inches | 26 days |
| December | 58°F | 0.42 inches | 25 days |
Weather by Month
January
January in Anthony is characterized by mild temperatures and dry weather. The average high temperature is around 57°F, with cool evenings and occasional frost in the mornings. Precipitation is minimal during this month, with an average of 0.33 inches, primarily in the form of light rain showers. Despite the cooler temperatures, Anthony enjoys around 25 sunny days, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the desert landscape.
February
February brings slightly warmer temperatures to Anthony, with average highs reaching 62°F. While the weather remains relatively dry, occasional light rain showers are possible, contributing to an average precipitation of 0.37 inches. Sunny days continue to prevail, with around 25 days of clear skies. Outdoor activities such as birdwatching and nature walks are popular during this time as the desert landscape begins to come alive with spring blooms.
March
As spring approaches, March sees a further increase in temperatures in Anthony, with average highs reaching 70°F. The weather becomes more pleasant, with minimal precipitation averaging 0.25 inches. Sunny days become more abundant, with around 27 days of clear skies, providing ideal conditions for outdoor adventures such as picnicking and camping in nearby parks.
April
April marks the onset of warmer weather in Anthony, with average highs reaching 78°F. The region experiences minimal precipitation during this month, with an average of 0.18 inches. Sunny days continue to prevail, with around 28 days of clear skies, allowing residents and visitors to fully enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the surrounding desert terrain.
May
May brings summer-like temperatures to Anthony, with average highs climbing to 86°F. While temperatures rise, precipitation remains relatively low, averaging 0.33 inches. With all 30 days typically sunny, residents and visitors can partake in a variety of outdoor activities, including exploring nearby national parks, visiting historic sites, and attending local festivals celebrating the region’s culture and heritage.
June
June heralds the arrival of summer in Anthony, with average highs soaring to 94°F. The weather becomes significantly warmer, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms contributing to an average precipitation of 0.59 inches. Despite the heat, outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating at nearby lakes or reservoirs are popular choices for staying cool and enjoying the summer sun.
July
July is typically the hottest month in Anthony, with scorching average highs of 97°F. The summer heat is accompanied by increased humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, contributing to an average precipitation of 1.34 inches. Despite the intense heat, residents and visitors can still enjoy outdoor activities such as water sports, hiking in shaded areas, and visiting indoor attractions to escape the heat.
August
Similar to July, August maintains hot temperatures in Anthony, with average highs hovering around 96°F. Afternoon thunderstorms remain common, contributing to an average precipitation of 1.39 inches. Despite the heat and humidity, outdoor enthusiasts can still partake in activities such as early morning hikes, birdwatching, and visiting local farms and orchards to enjoy the summer harvest.
September
As summer transitions to fall, September brings slightly cooler temperatures to Anthony, with average highs of 90°F. While temperatures begin to moderate, occasional afternoon thunderstorms are still possible, contributing to an average precipitation of 0.85 inches. With 29 sunny days, outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and exploring the region’s natural wonders are popular choices for residents and visitors alike.
October
October sees a further decrease in temperatures in Anthony, with average highs dropping to 81°F. While the weather remains warm, occasional afternoon showers are common, contributing to an average precipitation of 0.68 inches. With 29 sunny days, residents and visitors can still enjoy outdoor activities such as scenic drives, visiting pumpkin patches, and attending fall festivals celebrating the harvest season.
November
November brings cooler temperatures and shorter days to Anthony, with average highs of 68°F. While temperatures cool, precipitation levels remain relatively low, averaging 0.40 inches. With 26 sunny days, outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography are popular as residents embrace the changing colors of fall in the desert landscape.
December
December in Anthony is characterized by mild temperatures and occasional winter storms. The average high temperature is around 58°F, with cool evenings and occasional frost in the mornings. Precipitation increases slightly compared to previous months, with an average of 0.42 inches, primarily in the form of light rain showers. Despite the cooler temperatures, there are still 25 sunny days, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as holiday light displays, festive markets, and winter hikes in nearby parks.
Natural Disasters
While Anthony is relatively sheltered from major natural disasters, it is still susceptible to occasional hazards common to the region, including flash floods, dust storms, and wildfires. Flash floods can occur during periods of heavy rainfall, especially in arroyos and low-lying areas. Dust storms, known locally as haboobs, can occur during periods of strong winds, reducing visibility and posing hazards to drivers. Additionally, wildfires can occur during periods of drought and high temperatures, posing risks to both property and public safety.
Recommended Activities
Throughout the year, Anthony offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. Some recommended activities by month include:
- January: Hiking, birdwatching, visiting local museums.
- February: Exploring historic sites, scenic drives, photography.
- March: Picnicking, camping, wildflower viewing.
- April: Horseback riding, biking, visiting nearby vineyards.
- May: Exploring national parks, attending cultural events, stargazing.
- June: Swimming, fishing, boating at nearby lakes.
- July: Water sports, indoor attractions, evening concerts.
- August: Early morning hikes, birdwatching, visiting farms and orchards.
- September: Camping, hiking, exploring natural hot springs.
- October: Scenic drives, pumpkin picking, attending fall festivals.
- November: Nature walks, birdwatching, visiting botanical gardens.
- December: Holiday light displays, festive markets, winter hikes in nearby parks.