The climate is generally mild with average temperatures ranging from 20°F in the winter to 80°F in the summer. The area receives about 16 inches of precipitation annually, with most of it falling as snow in the winter months.
The hydrology constituents in the area include the Rio Chama and Navajo River, both of which offer opportunities for fishing and kayaking. Outdoor recreation opportunities in Dulce include hiking in the nearby Jicarilla Apache Reservation, skiing at the nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area, and hunting in the Carson National Forest. The town is also home to the Jicarilla Apache Cultural Center, which offers insight into the history and culture of the area's Native American population.
Dulce receives approximately 515mm of rain per year, with humidity levels near 72% and air temperatures averaging around 7°C. Dulce has a plant hardyness factor of 5, meaning plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most plants will die off during the colder winter months.