Climate and monthly weather forecast
Albuquerque, NM

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A square in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a view of the civic and government buildings
A square in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a view of the civic and government buildings

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 »
Updated: Jul 28, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest time of year?

Albuquerque's lowest temperatures tend to occur in January and December, with an average high-temperature of 43.9°F (6.6°C).

What is the most humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 61%, January is the most humid month.

How much does it rain?

In Albuquerque, during the entire year, the rain falls for 87.6 days and collects up to 8.23" (209mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow in Albuquerque?

January through April, October through December are months with snowfall.

How much does it snow?

Throughout the year, there are 16.6 snowfall days, and 7.99" (203mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

January and December, with an average of 7h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine.

What is the month with the lowest UV index?

January, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index.

What is the driest month?

March is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 6.5 days and accumulates 0.35" (9mm) of precipitation.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from MST to MDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from MDT to MST.

When it does not snow in Albuquerque?

May through September are months without snowfall.

What is the least humid month?

June is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 27%.

When are the longest days?

With an average of 14h and 30min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.

What month has the most sunshine?

June has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 12.1h of sunshine.

When is the highest UV index?

The month with the highest UV index is June, with an average maximum UV index of 7.

What is the hottest time of year?

The warmest month is July, with an average high-temperature of 87.6°F (30.9°C) and an average low-temperature of 65.8°F (18.8°C).

What is the rainiest month?

The month with the most rainfall is July, when the rain falls for 16.2 days and typically aggregates up to 1.73" (44mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow the most?

The month with the most snowfall is December, when snow falls for 4.9 days and typically aggregates up to 2.44" (62mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 48min of daylight.

Average temperature
Albuquerque, NM

Average temperature - Albuquerque, NM

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (87.6°F).
The months with the lowest average high temperature are January and December (43.9°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (65.8°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (27.1°F).

Average pressure
Albuquerque, NM

Average pressure - Albuquerque, NM

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.16"Hg).
The months with the lowest atmospheric pressure are April and May (29.89"Hg).

Average wind speed
Albuquerque, NM

Average wind speed - Albuquerque, NM

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (9.4mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.8mph).

Average humidity
Albuquerque, NM

Average humidity - Albuquerque, NM

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (61%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is June (27%).

Average rainfall
Albuquerque, NM

Average rainfall - Albuquerque, NM

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (1.73").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is March (0.35").

Average rainfall days
Albuquerque, NM

Average rainfall days - Albuquerque, NM

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (16.2 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (3.8 days).

Average snowfall
Albuquerque, NM

Average snowfall - Albuquerque, NM

The month with the highest snowfall is December (2.44").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Albuquerque, NM

Average snowfall days - Albuquerque, NM

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (4.9 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Albuquerque, NM

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Albuquerque, NM

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 48min).

The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 12h and 6min).
The months with the least sunshine are January and December (Average sunshine: 7h and 0min).

Average sunshine days
Albuquerque, NM

Average sunshine days - Albuquerque, NM

The month with the most sunshine days is November (24.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (9.4 days).

Average UV index
Albuquerque, NM

Average UV index - Albuquerque, NM

The month with the highest UV index is June (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, November and December (UV index 2).

Average visibility
Albuquerque, NM

Average visibility - Albuquerque, NM

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

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