Climate & Seasons

Albuquerque is renowned for its pleasant year-round climate. Low humidity and warm temperatures (70°F/21°C is the yearly average) combine to make Albuquerque an enjoyable destination during any season.

Summers are warm and dry with the average daytime highs around 90°F/32°C and nighttime temperatures cooling down to 44°F/7°C are common, but the low humidity means shade provides ample relief from the heat.

Autumn in Albuquerque is often called "Indian Summer" because of warm temperatures early in the season around 70°F/21°C. Summer still lingers in September and early October, with "sweater" weather setting in during November. 

Winter requires heavier outdoor clothing; however, sweatshirts or light jackets may be enough on those famous Albuquerque sunny days. It will snow on occasion, but it seldom lasts more than a day or two. Instead, snow remains in the nearby Sandia Mountains where it creates a skier's delight. Sports enthusiasts can often ski in the morning and play golf or tennis that same afternoon.

Spring begins Albuquerque's warming trend with buds and blossoms decorating the city in April and May. In just a matter of weeks, the bare limbs of cottonwood trees lining the banks of the Rio Grande billow with waves of green, preparing themselves for the rising waters of snowmelt from Northern New Mexico mountains.

Elevations

Albuquerque lies at an elevation of over 5,000 feet, and enjoys a high desert climate. Days are generally sunny and warm but as the sun sets, the temperature falls; the city experiences an average change of 27 degrees from day to night all year.

Elevations in Albuquerque

• 4,500 ft. in the Rio Grande Valley.
• 6,500 ft. in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains.
• 10,378 ft. at Sandia Peak.
• 10,678 ft. at Sandia Crest.
   

Weather City Comparisons

See how Albuquerque's weather compares to the following cities

Average High/Low °F (°C)