Good/Bad times of year to fly in the southwest?

[Hang 4]

Have some in-laws in Ruidoso NM. SWMBO has said it would be fun to visit them and see some of the sights in the SW in the plane. Sedona, Grand Canyon, etc.. When is the weather either good or bad to go there?

 

[MooneyDriver78]

It’s monsoon season from around July-September, although this year it started in June. I believe there are windy periods as well.


Tom

 

[MountainDude]

Feb to late May is the windy season. It's not windy every day, but there are many days with 40 kt+ winds.
June and september are usually clear and calm, but hot.
July and August are perfect until 11 AM. After that, turbulence and storms make it unpleasant or unsafe.
Oct - Jan is typically clear and calm with 1-3 day storms hitting every 2-3 weeks. October and Nov have milder temps and gorgeous fall colors. Dec and Jan are just cold.

 

[sarangan]

Have some in-laws in Ruidoso NM. SWMBO has said it would be fun to visit them and see some of the sights in the SW in the plane. Sedona, Grand Canyon, etc.. When is the weather either good or bad to go there?

Fall is a good season for flying. The famous balloon fiesta is held around October. But in reality, you can fly VFR any time of the year. Early mornings or evenings (or night) will get you the best flight conditions to avoid the summer heat and thermals.