Albuquerque Weather

Albuquerque, like most of New Mexico, is renowned for its stunning skies, dry air and large amounts of sunshine. Despite being a desert environment, the city has four distinct seasons and a rather cold winter. Precipitation is not common, but it can fall intermittently throughout the year.

Summer and winter

Albuquerque’s weather is generally dry and sunny year-round, although there are extreme variations in temperature between summer and winter. During the summer months from June to August, the temperatures can be quite hot, often topping 30. The humidity levels are almost nonexistent however, making the heat more bearable. But with so little rain, conditions can often feel dry and dusty. A hot wind buffets the city at times during the height of summer.

Winter, by contrast, is extremely cold. Temperatures can often plummet below freezing in December and January. On the rare occasions when snow falls in the city, it melts within hours. With over 280 days of sunshine each year, no matter how cold it gets; the sun helps keep you warm.

The shoulder seasons

Without question, the ideal time to visit Albuquerque is during the autumn. Late September and October are absolutely stunning, with crisp blue skies, perfect temperatures and trees ablaze with yellows and reds. By heading into the nearby mountains, you can find a cool respite any time of the year. Spring comes to the city by the end of May, but it is brief and unremarkable, bringing the ugly barrenness of winter to an end.

Average Temperature (°C)

30 22 15 8 0

Jan 1.5

Feb 4.3

Mar 8.0

Apr 12.9

May 18.0

Jun 23.5

Jul 25.7

Aug 24.5

Sep 20.7

Oct 14.2

Nov 6.7

Dec 2.2

Rainfall (mm)

90 68 45 22 0

Jan 9.9

Feb 9.3

Mar 10.8

Apr 12.9

May 13.8

Jun 16.4

Jul 35.1

Aug 36.5

Sep 23.2

Oct 20.6

Nov 10.8

Dec 10.5