Today's barometric pressure in Santa Fe, a 48-hour pressure chart, and a risk score for weather-triggered migraine and headache, based on pressure drops, humidity, and temperature changes.
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At 7,199 feet, Santa Fe is the highest state capital in the US with correspondingly low baseline barometric pressure. The thin mountain air means even modest weather systems produce noticeable pressure changes for migraine sufferers.
Worst season for migraines: October through March. At 7,200 feet, Santa Fe has some of the lowest baseline pressure of any US city. Pacific storms crossing the Sangre de Cristo Mountains drive most of the pressure drops from October through March, peaking in February, when 47% of days see a 5 hPa drop. The summer monsoon brings afternoon thunderstorms but little pressure movement, 13% of days or fewer in each summer month.
Common triggers in Santa Fe: brief monsoon thunderstorm pressure dips at high altitude, intense solar UV radiation at 7,000+ feet, extreme aridity causing chronic dehydration. Santa Fe sits at 7,200 feet on a plateau at the base of the 12,600-foot Sangre de Cristo Mountains, giving it the second-lowest baseline pressure of any state capital after Denver. The thin atmosphere means more intense UV radiation and faster dehydration, both migraine triggers that persist year-round. The city's high desert climate features extremely low humidity for most of the year, but the monsoon season transforms conditions dramatically with daily thunderstorms and humidity spikes.
Typical pressure: Santa Fe averages 790 hPa at rest, measured at the city's own elevation rather than corrected to sea level, and storm systems can push readings down to 778 hPa. Swings of 4-9 hPa over 24 hours are common during active weather and fall within the range most associated with pressure-triggered migraines.
2026 index: Santa Fe ranks #5 of 100 in our 2026 U.S. Migraine Risk Index, where #1 is the most challenging city for weather-driven migraine.
Can Santa Fe weather trigger migraines?
Yes. Santa Fe experiences 4-9 hPa barometric pressure swings, and research shows pressure drops are one of the most common migraine triggers. The city's specific patterns include brief monsoon thunderstorm pressure dips at high altitude, intense solar UV radiation at 7,000+ feet, extreme aridity causing chronic dehydration.
What time of year are migraines worst in Santa Fe?
In Santa Fe the most barometrically volatile stretch of the year falls in October through March. That is when weather is most likely to play a part, if weather is a trigger for you at all. See when migraine weather season starts across the U.S.
Is there a barometric pressure headache forecast for Santa Fe?
This page works as one. Many people call a headache that arrives with a weather change a barometric pressure headache, and this forecast tracks the pressure drops, humidity and temperature swings behind that idea. The score covers the next 24 hours in Santa Fe and the chart shows the next 48. It is built on migraine research, so treat it as a rough guide for other headaches. A sudden, severe headache needs urgent medical care, whatever the weather.
Your own forecast
This page shows the weather risk for everyone in Santa Fe. The MigrAid app learns yours. It saves the barometric pressure, humidity and temperature with every migraine you log, shows whether Santa Fe's swings really line up with your attacks, and alerts you when conditions match your own trigger history.