Albuquerque Weather

The weather is undoubtedly one of Albuquerque's greatest attractions. You can expect clear, sunny days most of the year with low humidity. In fact, I think the generally sunny, mild weather contributes to a happier disposition and better health. Here is an unscientific personal synopsis of the four seasons in Albuquerque:

Summer:
Coming from New York, I was delighted to find that even during the summer, Albuquerque evenings are cool, and the days, although hot, are easier to endure due to the low humidity. I don't have the "sweating like a fish" experiences I endured in sweaty, humid New York summers. It is wise to take extra cautions against the intense sun exposure. Due to the high altitude and clear skies, you will burn more quickly. Most homes use evaporative coolers, or swamp coolers as they are better known to keep cool. I'll tell you more about my experiences with swamp coolers in another post.

Fall:
In a word, delightful. The temperature is generally very comfortable. You may usually need to start the day wearing a sweater. However by noon, the temperature has risen to shirtsleeve temperatures. This is my favorite Albuquerque season.

Winter:
Winters generally are mild. When it snows, whatever accumulation that occurs never lasts more than a day. You can go through the entire winter without shoveling (the sun takes care of it). You may have an occasional cold snap that seldom lasts more than a week. If you visit Albuquerque for the first time during the winter, it may look rather barren. Everything is brown, dead, and dusty. However be sure to return in the Spring as the transformation to a rich green setting is truly miraculous.

Spring:
Spring weather is usually pleasantly mild. However you do have some rather windy days with odd storms that are a combination of sand and rain--something I never experienced on the east coast. Again, they rarely last very long. Most of your days will be bright and sunny.

Okay, enough of my unscientific analysis. Here are a few links to more informative resources on Albuquerque Weather:

Weather Underground for Albuquerque
National Weather Service, Albuquerque