Weather in Albuquerque

Planning a trip or simply curious about the weather in Albuquerque? Here you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions and detailed forecasts to help you prepare for any surprises nature might bring.

The climate in Albuquerque, located in the United States, is characterised as arid, with four distinct seasons. The city receives very little rainfall throughout the year, making it one of the sunniest places in the country. Travellers should prepare for significant temperature fluctuations not only between seasons but also throughout the day.

Summer in Albuquerque is hot and dry, with average maximum temperatures often exceeding +30°C in June and July. Winters here are cool, sometimes cold, especially at night when temperatures can drop below freezing, as shown by data from January and December (average minimum around -2°C...-3°C). Spring and autumn offer more moderate and comfortable temperatures, making these periods popular for visiting.

One of the key features of the weather in Albuquerque is the very low level of rainfall. Data indicates that in most months, 0 or 1 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days is minimal. This means that for the majority of the time, it is sunny and dry here, which is ideal for outdoor activities but requires appropriate preparation, including sun protection and sufficient water intake.

The annual temperature trend in Albuquerque demonstrates clearly defined seasons with a significant range between summer heat and winter cool. The hottest month is traditionally July, when the average air temperature is about 25.9°C, and daytime highs often reach 32.5°C. June and August are also very warm, with average maximum temperatures of 31.7°C and 31.4°C respectively. Conversely, the coldest period is observed in January: the average temperature here drops to 2.3°C, and nightly minimums average -3.4°C. December is also cool with an average temperature of 3.5°C and nightly frosts down to -2.1°C.

The summer months in Albuquerque, from June to August, are characterised by stable hot and predominantly dry weather. Daytime air temperature often exceeds +30°C, peaking in July (average maximum 32.5°C). However, thanks to the dry air and significant elevation above sea level, nights bring noticeable relief: average minimum temperatures in the summer period range from 16.7°C in June to 19.3°C in July. This creates a substantial diurnal temperature range, which is a characteristic feature of the region's climate.

Winter in Albuquerque is quite cool but usually sunny. From December to February, average daily maximum temperatures hold in the range from 7.9°C (January) to 10.9°C (February). Nights, however, are regularly frosty: average minimum temperatures steadily drop below freezing, reaching -3.4°C in January, -2.3°C in February, and -2.1°C in December. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with more moderate temperatures, yet they are also characterised by noticeable fluctuations between daytime warmth and nighttime cool. For example, in April, the average maximum is 22.1°C, while the average minimum is 6.1°C, indicating a difference of almost 16 degrees.

Albuquerque is characterised by very low precipitation levels throughout the year, as confirmed by the provided data. The city receives a minimal amount of moisture, and it is difficult to identify a clearly defined rainy season. Instead, there are months with slightly more frequent, but still very scanty precipitation. Overall, the climate of Albuquerque can be described as arid, with a prevalence of sunny days.

Analysing the data, it can be noted that the highest number of "wet days" falls in July – on average 7 days, however, the total precipitation in this month amounts to just 1 mm. A similar situation with a small amount of precipitation (1 mm) and some number of wet days is observed in February, March (6 days), June, August, September, October, and November. The driest months, when average precipitation is 0 mm, are January, April, May, and December. At the same time, April stands out with the lowest number of wet days – just 2.

Given the extremely low amount of precipitation (0-1 mm per month), any moisture falling in Albuquerque will likely take the form of very light, possibly brief rains or drizzle. In winter months, such as January (average minimum temperature -3.4°C) and December (average minimum temperature -2.1°C), when temperatures drop below freezing, this minor precipitation could theoretically fall as light snow or isolated snowflakes, although the data does not indicate significant snowfalls. Travellers generally should not expect precipitation to seriously disrupt their plans.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Albuquerque, it is important to consider its sunny and dry climate with pronounced temperature changes throughout the day. In summer, from June to August, when average maximum temperatures often exceed +30°C, you will need light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, such as T-shirts, shorts, and sundresses. Don't forget headwear, sunglasses, and high SPF cream for protection against the intense sun. Even on summer evenings, the temperature can drop to +16°C...+19°C, so a light cardigan or windbreaker will be very useful.

In winter, from December to February, daytime temperatures in Albuquerque fluctuate from +7°C to +11°C, while nights can drop below freezing (down to -3.4°C). At this time of year, warm items are necessary: sweaters, fleece clothing, a warm jacket (preferably windproof), a hat, gloves, and a scarf. For spring and autumn months (March-May, September-November), layering is the ideal solution. Days can be quite warm (for example, in April the average maximum is +22.1°C, in October +21.1°C), but mornings and evenings bring noticeable coolness. Therefore, stock up on T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, jumpers, and a jacket to easily adapt to weather changes.

Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes are a mandatory attribute for a traveller in Albuquerque. Given the very low amount of precipitation throughout the year (0-1 mm per month), an umbrella will likely not be needed. However, due to the dryness of the air, do not forget to take moisturising cream for your skin and lip balm. It is also recommended to carry a reusable water bottle to maintain hydration while walking around this sunny city.