Albuquerque, NM Weather Forecast & Climate Guide
Albuquerque has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold nights at 5,000 feet elevation.
Climate type: Semi-arid / cool steppe (Köppen BSk)
Albuquerque Climate Overview
Hot days and cool nights in summer. Mild winters with occasional snow. Low humidity.
Monsoon thunderstorms in July-August. Large temperature swings between day and night.
Albuquerque Weather by Season
spring
Spring is windy and variable. March and April bring gusty winds and wild temperature swings, but May warms into the 70s-80s°F with mostly sunny skies.
summer
Summers are hot but dry with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s°F. The North American Monsoon brings dramatic afternoon thunderstorms from July through September.
fall
Fall is spectacular — crisp days in the 60s-70s°F, cool nights, and brilliant cottonwood foliage along the Rio Grande. The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in early October is the main event.
winter
Winters are cold but sunny with highs in the upper 40s°F and cold nights in the 20s°F. Snow is occasional but usually light and melts quickly thanks to high-altitude sun.
Albuquerque Average Monthly Temperatures
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 48° | 54° | 62° | 71° | 80° | 90° | 92° | 89° | 82° | 71° | 57° | 47° |
| Low °F | 26° | 30° | 36° | 44° | 53° | 63° | 68° | 67° | 60° | 47° | 35° | 27° |
Best Time to Visit Albuquerque
Early October for the Balloon Fiesta and perfect fall weather. Late April through May and September-October are all excellent with warm days, cool nights, and minimal rain.
Severe Weather Risks
- Monsoon thunderstorms
- Flash flooding
- Wildfires
- Dust storms
- Wind events
Weather Facts About Albuquerque
- >Albuquerque sits at 5,312 feet elevation — even higher than Denver.
- >The city receives over 300 sunny days per year, more than Miami or San Diego.
- >The famous Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta takes advantage of the "Albuquerque Box" wind pattern that helps balloons navigate.
Albuquerque Weather FAQ
When is the best time to visit Albuquerque?
Early October is legendary — it's when the International Balloon Fiesta fills the skies with hundreds of hot air balloons under perfect fall weather. Spring (April-May) is also excellent for outdoor exploration.
How cold does Albuquerque get?
Cold for the Southwest but mild compared to the Midwest. Winter highs average in the upper 40s°F with cold nights in the 20s°F. Arctic outbreaks can push temperatures below zero but are relatively brief.
Does Albuquerque have monsoon season?
Yes. The North American Monsoon runs July through September, bringing dramatic afternoon thunderstorms, flash flood risk, and spectacular sunsets. This is when most of the year's rain falls.
How much elevation does Albuquerque have?
5,312 feet in the city center, with the Sandia Mountains to the east rising above 10,000 feet. The high altitude means intense UV, cool nights even in summer, and rapid weather changes.