Climate and Weather
The following is based on the Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau website information about weather and climate.
Albuquerque has a high desert climate and is over 5,000 feet above sea level. It has over 300 days per year of sunshine, a mild, dry climate, and four distinct seasons. Low humidity and lots of sunshine means visitors need to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, as well as using lotion and sunblock for protection.
Winter requires heavier outdoor clothing; however, sweatshirts or light jackets may be enough on sunny days. It will snow on occasion, but it seldom lasts more than a day or two. It is not uncommon for snow that falls over night or in the morning to have melted by the afternoon. The average daily high/low temperatures for the end of January/beginning of February are around 50°F/25°F, although it could be considerably warmer or colder.
Visitors should be aware of Albuquerque’s high elevation of almost one mile above sea level. It may take your body a couple of days to adjust to the high altitude. At this elevation the air is thinner and you may become tired faster during physical activity. Albuquerque’s high desert climate also causes people to dehydrate faster. It is important to drink a lot of water to keep your body hydrated. Drinking a lot of water is the easiest way to avoid altitude sickness; if you wait to drink until you feel thirsty, you have already become dehydrated. It is possible that alcohol may affect your body faster at higher elevations. Also, sunscreen is vital while vacationing in Albuquerque. Whether it is sunny or cloudy, summer or winter, the UV rays are stronger at higher altitudes. Visitors should wear a high SPF sunscreen at all times to avoid sunburn and wear sunglasses to protect their eyes.
Albuquerque has a high desert climate and is over 5,000 feet above sea level. It has over 300 days per year of sunshine, a mild, dry climate, and four distinct seasons. Low humidity and lots of sunshine means visitors need to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, as well as using lotion and sunblock for protection.
Winter requires heavier outdoor clothing; however, sweatshirts or light jackets may be enough on sunny days. It will snow on occasion, but it seldom lasts more than a day or two. It is not uncommon for snow that falls over night or in the morning to have melted by the afternoon. The average daily high/low temperatures for the end of January/beginning of February are around 50°F/25°F, although it could be considerably warmer or colder.
Visitors should be aware of Albuquerque’s high elevation of almost one mile above sea level. It may take your body a couple of days to adjust to the high altitude. At this elevation the air is thinner and you may become tired faster during physical activity. Albuquerque’s high desert climate also causes people to dehydrate faster. It is important to drink a lot of water to keep your body hydrated. Drinking a lot of water is the easiest way to avoid altitude sickness; if you wait to drink until you feel thirsty, you have already become dehydrated. It is possible that alcohol may affect your body faster at higher elevations. Also, sunscreen is vital while vacationing in Albuquerque. Whether it is sunny or cloudy, summer or winter, the UV rays are stronger at higher altitudes. Visitors should wear a high SPF sunscreen at all times to avoid sunburn and wear sunglasses to protect their eyes.