Albuquerque has four distinct seasons. Its dry, high-desert climate boasts 310 days of sunshine and typically features mild temperatures. Each of these seasons offers unique opportunities to explore the city. We’re here to help you find the best season for your trip to Albuquerque.
Spring
Photo Credit: Albuquerque Isotopes/XL Sports Photography
Spring brings new life to Albuquerque. Wander through the new blooms at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden and breathe in the fresh air during a tour through the bosque with Routes Bicycle Tour & Rentals. Market season begins, with the Downtown Growers’ Market on Saturdays and the Rail Yards Market on Sundays. The Albuquerque Isotopes, the city’s minor league baseball team, and New Mexico United, the city’s soccer team, both begin their seasons in the spring.
Spring also means more festivals and events in Albuquerque. The largest pow wow in North America, the Gathering of Nations, takes place at the end of April. The New Mexico Wine Festival happens over Memorial Day Weekend, and features wine from around the state.
Summer
The summer months mean lots of outdoor summer fun in Albuquerque. Take the family to Hinkle Fun Center, where you can play mini golf, bumper boats, laser tag and more. Take a stroll through Old Town and enjoy the numerous shops, galleries and restaurants while listening to live music in the plaza on the weekends. The ABQ BioPark’s Zoo Music and Garden Music series kicks off in June. The Summerfest series also takes place, with special neighborhood concerts happening throughout the summer.
Summer is also the perfect time to dine on an outdoor patio or rooftop bar. Download the Albuquerque Craft Beer Trail pass and check out some of the breweries in the city with great patios perfect for summer drinking.
Autumn
The chile harvest hits its peak in the autumn, so stop by Big Jim Farms to buy some fresh chile, or head out into the field to pick your own. As the leaves begin to change color, make a stop at the Open Space Visitor Center to see the cottonwoods in the bosque change color. To get a bird's-eye view of the changing season, book a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. For the brave souls that dabble in the supernatural, take a ghost tour just in time for Halloween with #ABQTours or TourABQ.
The largest fall event in Albuquerque is the ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®. This spectacular display of colors takes place during the first full week of October, with more than 500 hot air balloons taking to the sky over Albuquerque.
In early November, don’t miss the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration in Old Town. Wander through the Marigold Mile and view the colorful altars that honor the lives of those who have passed on.
Winter
Albuquerque gets snow in the winter, especially in the Sandia Mountains that are directly east of the city. The Sandia Peak Ski Area offers 35 runs for skiers of all levels. Companies like MST Adventures offer snowshoe rentals, or take a guided snowshoe hike with Routes Bicycle Tours & Rentals. Winter is an ideal time to see birds that winter in the area. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is a top bird-watching destination in the state.
The holiday season is marked by spectacular light displays. From Thanksgiving weekend until the end of December, walk through the River of Lights at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden and see hundreds of sparkling LED sculptures. On Christmas Eve, bundle up and stroll through Old Town or a dozen other neighborhoods that are lit with the soft glow of luminarias – votive candles placed in paper bags.
The colder months are also a great time to take advantage of indoor activities in the city. Check out one of the many unique museums located in Albuquerque. Learn how to create pottery at Creativity Warehouse, or take a tour at Eldora Chocolate and see what it takes to create a delicious chocolate bar.
