El Paso Locals Say This Is When Fall Really Begins

According to the calendar, fall officially begins on September 22, when the autumn equinox marks shorter days and (in theory) cooler nights. But if you’re from El Paso, you know the desert has its own timeline. While the rest of the country is pulling out sweaters, we’re usually still cranking the A/C and watching the forecast hover in the 90s.

It’s the time of year where lots of people on Instagram start to show off their fall content, and I officially become jealous. El Paso doesn’t seem to be the only one who is still experiencing 95 degree fall days, Texas is notorious for a late start to fall. But I guess when you really think about it, fall doesn’t have to be a date on the calendar, it’s more of a feeling in the Sun City.

El Paso Fall is a Feeling

Ask any El Pasoan when it finally feels like fall, and you’ll get answers that have nothing to do with the date and everything to do with life in the desert.

When Your Car Gives You the Warning First

Forget the forecast, El Paso drivers know it’s officially fall when that first cool morning makes your dashboard light up with a “LOW TIRE PRESSURE” warning. It’s not a problem, it’s a seasonal tradition

One commenter put it best

When the ole lady says, ‘Oh honey, look, the leaves are falling off the trees.’ I have two trees in front of my house — that means it’s time to work, lmao.

Even leaf-raking comes with a side of El Paso humor!

When the Tamale Ladies Return

You can mark your calendar by it, when tamal vendors start popping up outside Walmart, you know the holidays (and cooler nights) are right around the corner.

When the Desert Changes Color

Even the plants get in on the season. Locals say it’s a sure sign of fall when the ocotillo leaves start turning that soft golden shade before dropping for winter.

Some El Pasoans joked that real fall doesn’t hit until January, because until then, it’s basically summer with Halloween decorations.

And for many, the true sign of fall isn’t pumpkin spice or sweaters, it’s when the mosquitos finally call it quits and the air starts to feel fresh again.

Whether it’s your dashboard light, a tamale run, or that first morning breeze, El Pasoans know that fall here isn’t defined by a date, it’s defined by a vibe. When it finally hits, we savor every second of it before “false winter” rolls in.

So here’s to the cool mornings, the tamales, and the blessed break from mosquitos!