The climate of Albuquerque
Located in
New Mexico, USA,
Albuquerque falls under the Köppen climate classification BSk, a mid-latitude steppe type of climate. This classification is characterized by cold winters, hot summers, and low annual precipitation. The average high temperature ranges from 43.9°F (6.6°C) in colder months to 87.6°F (30.9°C) during the hottest periods, while average low temperatures flow from 27.1°F (-2.7°C) in the winter months to 65.8°F (18.8°C) in the summer.
Temperature variations throughout the year in Albuquerque are significant. In terms of humidity, values remain relatively consistent, fluctuating between 28% and 61% annually. However, relative humidity tends to be lower in the spring months and higher during winter.
Albuquerque's rainfall extends from a mere 0.35" (9mm) in drier months to 1.73" (44mm) during the wettest period. Comparatively, snowfall is minimal, with recorded amounts peaking at 2.44" (62mm) in the winter months and completely absent in the warmer periods. The number of daylight hours fluctuates between 9.8 and 14.5 hours, while sunshine duration varies from 7 hours to 12.1 hours. The wind speed varies from 5.8mph (9.3km/h) to 9.4mph (15.1km/h).
The best time to visit Albuquerque
Given the moderate weather conditions, visiting
Albuquerque between
May and
October is recommended. During this period, the city experiences average high temperatures between 75.2°F (24°C) and 87.6°F (30.9°C), offering warm and enjoyable conditions for outdoor activities. Also, with daylight hours stretching from 14 to 14.5, tourists can enjoy an extended period of sunshine during their visit.
The worst time to visit Albuquerque
The period from
December to
February might prove challenging for tourists due to the relatively cold weather conditions in
Albuquerque during these months. During this period, average high temperatures tend to range from 43.9°F (6.6°C) to 49.3°F (9.6°C). Additionally, low temperatures can fall to around 27.1°F (-2.7°C) during the coldest months, making outdoor activities less feasible.
Spring weather in Albuquerque
Spring in
Albuquerque, which spans from
March to
May, boasts mild weather conditions. Average high temperatures in this period vary from 59.7°F (15.4°C) to 75.2°F (24°C), while low temperatures range from 37.6°F (3.1°C) to 50°F (10°C). During these months, the rainfall averages between 0.35" (9mm) and 0.5" (13mm).
Summer weather in Albuquerque
In the summer months,
June to
August,
Albuquerque experiences hot temperatures with the average high varying from 85.6°F (29.8°C) to 87.6°F (30.9°C) and average low between 61.2°F (16.2°C) to 65.8°F (18.8°C). This period is also the rainiest with the average monthly precipitation reaching as high as 1.73" (44mm).
Autumn weather in Albuquerque
Autumn is a time of transition in
Albuquerque, with temperatures that decline from an average high of 78.8°F (26°C) in
September to 54.3°F (12.4°C) in
November. Correspondingly, the average low temperature ranges between 58.5°F (14.7°C) and 34.9°F (1.6°C). Rainfall volumes are moderate, varying from 0.63" (16mm) to 0.98" (25mm).
Winter weather in Albuquerque
Winter in
Albuquerque spans from
December to
February. During this period, average high temperatures range from 43.9°F (6.6°C) to 49.3°F (9.6°C), while the low temperature varies from 27.1°F (-2.7°C) to 30.6°F (-0.8°C). The monthly average snowfall is also highest in winter, peaking at 2.44" (62mm) in December, and the number of daylight hours range from 9.8 to 11 hours.
Weather in January
As
Albuquerque begins the year,
January offers a crisp climate with relatively more snowfall than any other month, with some 2.44" (62mm) experienced, exhibiting a sharp drop from
December's chill. January is the coldest of all months, and it is commonplace for frost to layer over the city as temperatures drop.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Albuquerque witnesses a mild alteration in its weather patterns in
February. It tends to be slightly warmer than
January, and the snowfall significantly decreases down to 1.46" (37mm). Despite the moisture being slightly higher than in January, February is relatively dry, with infrequent rain showers.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March makes the advent of spring quite noticeable in
Albuquerque. It's notably warmer, presenting a more favorable condition for outdoor enthusiasts. The city experiences the lowest level of humidity of the year in this transition month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings even warmer temperatures to
Albuquerque, setting the city firmly on the path of spring. The conditions are relatively arid with a decrease in rainfall as compared to
March. Flowers start blooming, coloring the city with a beautiful natural palette.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks the last stage of the delightful spring in
Albuquerque. The increase in temperature continues, setting a tone for the imminent onset of summer. The frequency of rain showers declines considerably, bringing forth drier conditions.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The thermal profile in
June is indicative of the warm summer reaching its apex in
Albuquerque. June bears no trace of snowfall and heralds an era where rainfall is at its lowest for the year. There's no shortage of sunlight, with the city basking in an average of 14.5 hours of daylight each day.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is undeniably
Albuquerque’s hottest month, with temperature fluctuations reaching a high of 87.6°F (30.9°C). This month also ushers in some unique weather conditions: increased rainfall, peaking at 1.73" (44mm), and a sizeable number of wet days.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August is a continuation of
July's trend, with the temperature still scoring high on the scale while rainfall sees a slight decrease. This month sees the sun stepping back slightly, allowing for slightly cooler days. Despite a so-called monsoon season, the rainfall doesn't inhibit travel or other outdoor activities.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As
Albuquerque transitions into autumn in
September, it sees a slight decline in temperatures compared to
August. The city welcomes a touch of rain, with rainfall averaging 0.98" (25mm) - a decrease relative to the preceding two months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October, the temperature in
Albuquerque takes a significant dip, marking the onset of cooler weather conditions. With mercury levels dropping, the city starts preparing for winter. Rainfall also decreases, making October one of the drier months of the year.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November brings a drop in temperature that is indicative of the fast-approaching winter, and although significantly colder than
October, the city hasn't yet plunged into winter's chill. The month experiences a decrease in rainfall, with November being one of the drier periods of the year.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Albuquerque wraps up the year with
December, which introduces frigid weather conditions with the mercury often reaching a low of 27.5°F (-2.5°C). Noteworthy, after a long pause, this month sees the return of snowfall, capped at 2.44" (62mm).
Weather in December »