Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico has a Cold Semi-Arid Climate climate (Köppen classification: BSk). Average annual temperatures range from 2.9 °C (low) to 19.9 °C (high). Annual precipitation averages 507 Millimeters. Ruidoso Downs is located in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7a. The growing season typically runs from the last frost around Apr. 21 - Apr. 30 through the first frost around Oct. 11 - Oct. 20.
| Month | Avg. Low | Avg. High | Avg. Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -5.3 °C | 10.3 °C | 21.84 mm |
| February | -3.9 °C | 12.1 °C | 21.08 mm |
| March | -1.6 °C | 15.7 °C | 19.05 mm |
| April | 1.3 °C | 19.6 °C | 17.27 mm |
| May | 5.7 °C | 24.2 °C | 32.26 mm |
| June | 10.2 °C | 29.2 °C | 32 mm |
| July | 12.6 °C | 28.7 °C | 103.38 mm |
| August | 12 °C | 27.7 °C | 97.54 mm |
| September | 8.4 °C | 25.1 °C | 71.88 mm |
| October | 2.8 °C | 20.6 °C | 41.15 mm |
| November | -1.9 °C | 14.8 °C | 19.3 mm |
| December | -5 °C | 10.3 °C | 30.23 mm |
| Annual | 2.9 °C | 19.9 °C | 506.98 mm |
| Average First Frost Date | Oct. 11 - Oct. 20 |
| Average Last Frost Date | Apr. 21 - Apr. 30 |
| Average Days With Frost | 125-150 Days |
| Plant Hardiness Zone | Zone 7a : -17.8°C to -15°C |
| Plant Hardiness Zone - 2012 | Zone 6b : -20.6°C to -17.8°C |
| Current Drought Conditions | Severe Drought |
| Köppen Climate Classification | BSk - Cold Semi-Arid Climate |