Albuquerque is known for its sunny climate: it boasts 310 days of sunshine each year. Although the climate is mild and dry, there are four seasons in Albuquerque. Most people agree that the best time to visit Albuquerque is between September and November. This fall season has warm temperatures and there are many festivals that take place during these months.
During the winter months, skiers visit Albuquerque to enjoy the slopes of the Sandia Mountains. This is a popular time to visit Albuquerque, so room rates are usually higher than at other times of the year. There are many hotel deals during the spring and summer.
Read more: 25 Best Things to Do in Albuquerque, NM. CDC information for travelers. Hours/availability may have changed.
1.Albuquerque Weather & Temperature by Month
January is the second coldest month in Albuquerque. During this month, average high temperatures reach 47°F (8°C), while the average lower temperatures will drop to 26°F (-3°C). Despite being one of the year’s coldest months, the over all climate remains mild and enjoyable.
In February, average high and low temperatures creep up to 53°F (16°C) and 30°F (-1°C) respectively. February also sees the least amount of sunshine out of the entire year. Expect an average of 218 hours of sunshine.
Albuquerque Weather in March: Spring begins in March and is marked by the flowering of trees and bushes around the city. The average high temperature rises to 60°F (16°C), making this month one of the best for easy afternoon hikes.
April is the peak of spring in Albuquerque as the warming trend continues to rise. Water levels begin to rise with water coming down from the snow peaked New Mexico mountains and the precipitation is spring’s highest at half an inch (15 mm). High temperatures peak at 69°F (21°C). Low temperatures also make a considerable increase to 43°F (6°C).
Albuquerque Weather in May: Temperatures jump ten degrees in May for both high and low average temperatures. Peak high temperatures hit 79°F (26°C) while peak low temperatures are at 53°F (11°C).
June is the month with the most hours of sunshine in Albuquerque at 365 hours. The heat continues to rise for this month as the average high temperatures reach 88°F (31°C). Low temperatures are 62°F (16°C).
July, on the other hand, is the hottest month of the year in Albuquerque. High temperatures top the yearly charts at 90°F (31°C). Summers in Albuquerque tend to be very dry and humidity stays relatively low.
In August, Albuquerque experiences its highest precipitation rate with averages hovering just under 2 inches (40 mm). Temperatures this month cool slightly with average high and low temperatures ranging between 87°F (31°C) and 65°F (18°C).
Albuquerque Weather in September: Temperatures continue a downward trend in September as summer starts making its transition to fall. High temperatures are 81°F (27°C).
October marks the beginning of fall with a steep downward decline for average high and low temperatures. The warmest average temperature hits 69°F (21°C) while the coldest average for temperatures is 46°F (8°C).
In November, Albuquerque experiences an inch of snow (8 cm) as temperatures continue to drop. Low temperatures are 34°F (1°C).
December is the coldest month of the year in Albuquerque with average low temperatures going as low as 26°F (-3°C). This month also has the high amount of snowfall out of the year with an average of 3 inches (8 cm).
The best time to go skiing in New Mexico is generally in December due to the higher averages of snowfall. Other winter sports like snowboarding is also recommended in December in the nearby Sandia Mountains. Interestingly, many people recommend playing golf and tennis in November thanks to the cool weather. Meanwhile, the best time to hike in Albuquerque is April through May.
2.Getting to Albuquerque
The Albuquerque International Sunport is New Mexico’s largest airport: more than six million travelers use the airport each year. The airport is served by many national airlines and connects Albuquerque with about 30 cities across the country. For train lovers, Amtrak is a major stop from Chicago and Los Angeles. Greyhound buses also serve Albuquerque.
Buses and trains both arrive at the Alvarado Transportation Center in downtown Albuquerque. Some visitors choose to drive to Albuquerque. This is a convenient way to arrive in the city because two major interstates meet in Albuquerque: I-25 runs north to south while I-40 runs east to west.
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3.Getting From the Albuquerque Airport
There are several ways to get from the Albuquerque International Sunport to the downtown area of the city. There are several shuttle companies that make the trip: these include the Sunport Shuttle and the Roadrunner Shuttle and Charter. Both of these shuttles take visitors from the airport to hotels, businesses, residences, and more.
The rates are reasonable and the customer service is excellent. The shuttles operate 24 hours a day and seven days a week. They are also wheelchair accessible. ABQ Ride is Albuquerque’s public bus system: there are two bus routes that serve the airport. Taxis and limousines are also available.
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4.Albuquerque Visitor Information Centers
Albuquerque has two visitor information centers. The first is conveniently located at the Albuquerque International Sunport so that visitors can be informed before they arrive in the city. This information center is found on the baggage claim area: it is staffed every day by volunteers during the day, but information is still available to visitors when the center is not staffed.
The second information center is located in the Old Town area of Albuquerque. It is open every day of the week and is found at 303 Romero Street in Plaza Don Luis. At both centers, staff can help visitors with directions, accommodations, things to see and do, and more.
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5.Getting Around Albuquerque
Albuquerque’s public transport system is called ABQ Ride: it is the best way to get around the city. There are many routes around downtown Albuquerque as well as some of its suburbs. Buses run every day and fares are reasonable: there are discounts for children, students, and seniors.
ABQ Ride also offers multi-day passes and a free shuttle called the D-RIDE around the downtown area. If you want to travel outside of the city you will need a car; Uber is another way to get around the city. Biking is a fun way to see the city: there are more than 400 miles of bike trails and paths.
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6.Albuquerque Restaurants
Albuquerque is famous for its New Mexican regional cuisines. Some people make the trip to Albuquerque just to savor the food! New Mexican dishes are often a combination of Spanish, Native American, and Mexican flavors.
Chilies are used extensively in New Mexican cuisine, so the official state question is “Red or green?” In addition to regional cuisine, there are places that serve other kinds of food. There are upscale fine dining restaurants; Japanese sushi bars; Mexican taquerias; and Italian brick-oven pizzerias. Other ethnic cuisines include Chinese, Greek, and more. Visitors can also taste some of the local beers and wines at brewpubs and wine bars.
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7.Shopping in Albuquerque
Albuquerque is a great place for visitors to shop. There are plenty of shops that sell Native American arts and crafts like jewelry. Old Town is a popular historic area for shoppers to explore. In the charming adobe shops and galleries in Old Town, visitors will find many authentic Southwestern items such as art, pottery, rugs, weavings, and much more.
There are more than 40 shops around the Old Town plaza. In addition to Old Town, other popular shopping areas include Downtown, Nob Hill, and Uptown. Three of the biggest shopping malls in the state are located in Albuquerque, but ABQ Uptown is considered to be the best of the three.
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8.Albuquerque Neighborhood Guide
Albuquerque has eleven different neighborhoods, and each one reflects the city’s great diversity. Historic Old Town was founded in 1706 and has shops, museums, galleries, and restaurants. Downtown has been revitalized and is full of restaurants, theaters, nightclubs, and the Albuquerque Convention Center. Nob Hill is known for its nightlife, upscale dining, and unique shops.
The University of New Mexico is located in the Midtown/University area. The Uptown area is a business center with two shopping centers, the Coronado Center, and EXPO NM, the home of the New Mexico State Fair. The Eastside neighborhood sits in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains and is popular for its outdoor activities.
9.Getting Married in Albuquerque
Many people choose Albuquerque for their wedding because of its beautiful and unique ambiance. A marriage license is required and can be obtained at the local county clerk’s office. For those who are interested in a hotel venue, some choices include the Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town, the Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown, the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North, and the Hyatt Regency Albuquerque.
There are many options in addition to the numerous hotels in the city. The Koinonia Gardens Venue at Koinonia Church includes flowers, a gazebo, and water features. Another garden setting is the Albuquerque Garden Center. Other options include the Echo Basin Ranch and the Sanctuary on the River.
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10.Where to Stay in Albuquerque
Albuquerque offers a wide variety of accommodations. There are luxury hotels and resorts, bed and breakfasts, and more. Because there are so many hotel rooms in Albuquerque, it is usually easy to find rooms with reasonably priced rates.
The exceptions to this are the peak seasons: late June for the New Mexico Arts and Crafts Fair; September for the New Mexico State Fair; and early October for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. One interesting hotel is the Andaluz: it was built in 1939 by Conrad Hilton and was recently renovated. Nativo Lodge is known for its artwork created by Native Americans. Adobe Garden at Los Ranchos is a Spanish style bed and breakfast.
Best Time to Visit Albuquerque, New Mexico, Weather & Other Travel Tips
- Albuquerque Weather & Temperature by Month, Photo: Courtesy of digidreamgrafix - Fotolia.com
- Getting to Albuquerque, Photo: Courtesy of Zerophoto - Fotolia.com
- Getting From the Albuquerque Airport, Photo: Courtesy of digidreamgrafix - Fotolia.com
- Albuquerque Visitor Information Centers, Photo: Courtesy of ricktravel - Fotolia.com
- Getting Around Albuquerque, Photo: Courtesy of flocu - Fotolia.com
- Albuquerque Restaurants, Photo: Courtesy of pilipphoto - Fotolia.com
- Shopping in Albuquerque, Photo: Courtesy of digidreamgrafix - Fotolia.com
- Albuquerque Neighborhood Guide, Photo: Courtesy Josemaria Toscano - Fotolia.com
- Getting Married in Albuquerque, Photo: Courtesy of kostyazar - Fotolia.com
- Where to Stay in Albuquerque, Photo: Courtesy of ricktravel - Fotolia.com
- Cover Photo: Courtesy of ricktravel - Fotolia.com
Attraction Spotlight: University of New Mexico Art Museum
The University of New Mexico Art Museum in Albuquerque is a teaching museum dedicated to the preservation, collection and exhibition of art with collections in photography, painting, sculpture, prints and more. The museum houses the largest fine arts collection in the New Mexico.
About
The UNM Art Museum was founded in 1963 and includes collections in painting, sculpture, prints, American Art, and the Transcendental Painting Group. Admission to the museum located within the Center for the Arts complex at the University of New Mexico is always free; however, donations are encouraged. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday and closed on all major holidays. Onsite parking is not available but there is a parking garage east of the Arts building.
Collections
The collection at the UNM Art Museum are made up of modern, contemporary and historic world art. Not all works in the collection are available for viewing always as pieces are rotated through exhibits. The Museum also highlights certain pieces in special exhibitions and regularly hosts traveling and temporary exhibitions.
Painting and Sculpture-This collection is comprised of significant works in modern, contemporary and history painting and sculpture. Many of the artists featured in exhibits have ties to New Mexico such as Georgia O’Keefe as well as world renowned artists like Joan Brown and Bruce Connor. Historic Paintings from the 15th through 19th centuries showcase works by Juan Correa, Jan van de Velde III and many other European and Spanish Colonial artists. African sculpture and contemporary bronze and metalwork is also highlighted in this collection.
Photography- More than 1,000 different photographers and roughly 10,000 photographs are held in the photography collection of the UNM Art Museum. Works span the history of photography as an art medium and is the foundation of the museum’s reputation as the largest fine art photography collection in New Mexico. Included in this collection are works by Ansel Adams, August Sander, Laura Gilpin, Cindy Sherman, and Nadar.
Prints- The Print Collection contains more than 10,000 works including rare books and prints from 1493 to present. Master prints from Albrecht Durer, Lucas Cranach, and Rembrandt are included in this collection. Lithographs from Pablo Picasso and relief images from Francisco de Goya, as well as screenprints from Andy Warhol are showcased in many exhibits throughout the museum.
The Raymond Jonson Collection- This collection features over 2,400 works by Raymond Jonson including 600 paintings and drawings that Jonson selected himself as the most representative of his career. Jonson was a cofounder of the Transcendental Painting Group and many works by other artists in the group including Agnes Martin and Richard Diebenkorn are featured in the collection as well. The UNM Art museum owns the copyright on all Jonson works with the archive featuring letters, articles and other documentation on the life and career of Jonson, Chicago Little Theater, and the Transcendental Painting Group.
The Tamarind Archive- Founded in the 1960’s the Tamarind Institute collected and preserved impression of lithographs that were completed at the institute. This collection showcases these works as well as the Clinton Adams estate which features paintings and graphic oeuvre from Adams and June Wayne.
Education Opportunities
The UNM Art Museum is a teaching museum where scholars, students, and educators can access multitudes of works and archives to study and interpret. There are also several programs available for all ages as well as community programs and events that highlight art and art education. The community and public programs change regularly and are listed on the UNM Art Museum website.
Beaumont Newhall Study Room-This room is available by appointment only and provides access to prints, works on paper, small sculptures and paintings and other holdings from the collection. Classes are held in this room Tuesdays through Thursdays with accommodations for up to 20 students.
Enyeart/Malone Library and Archive- The library is home to 20th century monographs and printed materials related to photography, including rare first editions books and manuscripts. The archive features the collection of James Enyeart who was the arts administrator at Center for Creative Photography. The library is open by appointment only with resources available listed on the website.
Van Deren and Joan Coke Library- more than 500 historical monographs were donated to the museum in 2011. The collection is also heavy in photography and print making with significant holdings in Southwest United States works. This library is open by appointment only.
Field Trips- Grades k-12 are welcome to participate in field trips to the museum where they will make connections to art through interactive tours that meet common core standards.
MSC04 2570 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, Phone: 505-277-4001
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Attraction Spotlight: Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico offers 270 acres of protected ecosystem comprised of woodlands, meadows, and farmland that visitors can enjoy by hiking, visiting the Nature Center, Visitors Center, and Candelaria Wetlands.
About
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park is a day use park open from 8am to 5pm daily and closed on select holidays. The park is found on the Rio Grande flyway and offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round with trail access to the Rio Grande and several overlooking ponds.
The park was founded in 1982 and is managed by the New Mexico state Parks Division and owned by the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division. The Visitor’s Center was constructed the same year as the park establishment and was designed by Antoine Predock. An education building was added in 2011 and the Candelaria Wetlands were opened as part of the State Park in 2001.
Visitors are invited to look at, listen to, and touch the vegetation and wildlife, but are asked to stay on the marked trails and leave behind only footprints. Parking fees to access the park apply; however, the visitor’s center and trails are open to the public free of charge.
Attractions
The Rio Grande Nature Center is one of the best birdwatching preserves in New Mexico and creates a memorable outdoor, natural experience for visitors of all ages.
Visitor Center- After parking, guests should first stop by the Visitor Center where they will encounter interpretive exhibits educating on the flora, fauna, geology and history of the Rio Grande Nature Center. Exhibits featured in the Discovery Room are meant for hands on exploration by children. There is also an observation deck overlooking the 3-acre pond where visitors can view ducks, turtles, fish, butterflies, and a variety of birds. There are also educational materials available for onsite use in the resource library and trail guides with binoculars that visitors can borrow while enjoying the Nature Center.
Education Building- located at the Visitor’s Center, the Education Building opened in July 2011 and offers 5,500 square feet of educational space to accommodate the 130,000 people that visit the park annually. This building also was constructed to showcase green building techniques including photo-voltaic power panels on the rooftop and being a net-zero energy user. Cisterns are used for water collection and irrigation while all the building materials were acquired through sustainable methods and recycled parts.
Trails-There are 2 trails that are a part of the Nature Center and are considered easy hikes. The Riverwalk Trail is one mile round trip through the Bosque and open meadows while the Bosque Loop Trail is just shy of a mile long and winds through the Bosque down to the river.
Discovery Pond-This pond is used for research and educational purposes only and is accessible to scientists and school groups who want to study the aquatic life and environment at the Nature Center.
Candelaria Wetlands- The wetlands were opened as part of the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park in 2001. The 9 acre outdoor arena as once part of Candelaria Farms and was left overgrown and uncultivated. The area has been repurposed into a wetland’s habitat with 2 ponds covering 5 acres and another 4 acres of open meadow. The area has become home to snow geese and ibis, two species of birds that were not previously found in the Nature Center. The $155,000 project involved the planting of 98 species of native New Mexico plants and riparian vegetation to restore the wetlands habitats that are native to the Rio Grande and have been drastically reduced due to farming and urban development.
Bird Watching- More than 300 species of birds call the Nature Center home with 40 of these species being migratory birds. Ducks and roadrunners are the most populated birds at the Center. Visitors can obtain bird checklists, binoculars and field guides from the visitor’s center.
Educational Opportunities
The Rio Grande Nature Center supports education and provides many classes and activities for children. Wildlife observation hikes, tracking classes, and activities at Discovery Pond, among many other educational opportunities are available at the park and Education Building.
Summer Classes- Available for children age 5-12, summer classes offer week long programs designed to introduce students to the ecosystem of the state park with units on nature, owls, tracking, insects, predators, and reptiles. Classes meet Monday through Thursday mornings and registration is required.
Friday Evening Classes- Offered in Fall, Winter, and Spring, the Friday evening classes educate children and families on the various animals and plants in the Nature Center and Wetlands. Classes are taught by experience educators that have worked in the public-school system.
2901 Candelaria NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87107, Phone: 505-344-7240
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Attraction Spotlight: Albuquerque Museum
The Albuquerque Museum immerses visitors in the art and history of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Located in Old Town off Historic Route 66, Albuquerque Museum offers exhibits and educational programming for children and families.
About the Museum
The Albuquerque Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9am to 5pm with free admission offered during select times as detailed on the website. Special exhibits and events may not offer free admission. The museum is handicap accessible and special accommodations can be made with 5 days advanced notice for those needing extra assistance.
Tours are offered at 2 p.m. that are docent guided. These one hour tours are free with admission and no reservations are needed. Gallery tours are also available for school and community groups.
Walking Tours through historic Old Town are offered at 11am March through December. These tours are not available for school groups but can be done as a self-guided tour as well using a tour brochure from the admission booth.
Sculpture Garden Tours- Spring through late fall, docent guided tours of the Sculpture Garden is available at 10am. Groups tours can be accommodated with advanced reservations. Visitors are welcome to check out the tour books from the information desk and participate in a self guided tour as well. The Sculpture Garden also has an audio tour available that highlights 13 pieces in the collection.
Museum Collections
The Albuquerque Museum has five collections that are showcased through locally curated exhibitions.
· History- This collection focuses on the history of Albuquerque and the New Mexico region. There are online history exhibits available through the website that focus on 1950’s fashion, the 1914 Ingram-Foster Biplane, and the monograph series, as well as books that detail the history of Albuquerque.
· Photo Archives- Open by appointment only, the photo archives capture the history of Albuquerque back to its founded in 1706.
· Art- The art exhibited at the museum is collected from regional artists from the past and present. The Taos Society of Artists is well represented in paintings as is the Transcendental Painting group and artists such as John Marin, Lawrence Calcagno and Larry Bell. The Sculpture Garden is part of the art collection as well.
· Albuquerque Museum: Collections- These collections are historical artifacts relating to Albuquerque and New Mexico. Visitors can learn about the founding of the town as well as travel through history in the Old Town Photo Archives.
· Route 66: Radiance, Rust & Revival on the Mother Road- This new exhibit was put together for the 90th anniversary of iconic Route 66 and features art, history, and pop culture inspired by the Mother Road.
Exhibitions
Exhibits are temporary and curated from both the museum’s permanent collection, are traveling exhibits, or exhibits on loan from other institutions. Details about current exhibits including dates of installation and pieces that are features are available on the Albuquerque Museum website. Past exhibitions have included:
· Spirit of Creation: Works on Paper by Native American Artists
· The Leekya Family: Master Carvers of Zuni Pueblo
· Revolt 1680-2180: Virgil Ortiz
· When Modern was Contemporary: Selections from the Roy R. Neuberger collection
· Paul Sarkisian
· Hollywood Southwest: New Mexico in Film and Television
· Faithful Albuquerque: Twenty-Five Churches
· Common Ground: Art in New Mexico
· Objectified: Masculinity and the Male Form
· NMCCC Automobile Show
· Back to Life: The Community of Historic Fairview Cemetery
· Hard Edge Abstraction
· Making it Modern: Folk Art Collection of Eli and Viola Nadelman
· And many more….!
Educational Opportunities
The education department at the Albuquerque Museum aspires to bring art and history to the communities of New Mexico and Albuquerque specifically.
Museum School- Year-round art programs are available for children ages 3-14. Classes are led by experienced educators with registration required and class sized limited. Programs are listed seasonally on the Museum website with details on medium, age range, and cost.
Family Art Workshops- Every Saturday at 1pm, all ages workshops are available for the entire family to enjoy. These 1.5 hour classes are included with museum admission and do not require advance registration.
Field Trips- Guided tours are available for school field trips to the Museum and Casa San Ysidro. There are 3 tours designed for school trips by age—K-1, Grades 2-5, Grades 6-12, and Grades 3-8 is most appropriate for Casa San Ysidro.
Internships- College students can apply for internships and work as docents as the museum. Social events are available for interns and volunteers, as well as an Awards Banquet, and other perks such as free admission to the museum, a discount in the store, and an annual breakfast celebration.
200 Mountain NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104, Phone: 505-243-7255
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