Weather in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Saguaro crowns open white. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Clear—90°60°
- SundayMay 17Overcast—85°57°
- MondayMay 18Overcast—79°55°
- TuesdayMay 19Overcast—83°59°
- WednesdayMay 20Overcast—85°64°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast—82°64°
- FridayMay 22Overcast—84°65°
- PM 2.5
- 3.2 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 20.8 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 4.0 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 109.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 12:15 PM
- Moonset
- 2:32 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Saguaro crowns open white
Albuquerque at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 76°F — typical for the season
- Last frost: March 18 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Peak growing season
As of May 17, the growing season is at its peak — frost is months away. Continue succession-planting beans and summer squash. Start fall brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale) from seed indoors for transplanting in late summer.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | — |
| May | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Albuquerque's warmest temperatures (~79°F mean) while December delivers the coldest (~37°F). Rainfall reaches its peak in September (1.6 inches) and drops to its lowest point in June (0.3 inches).
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 37° | 0.6″ | 1 |
| February | 42° | 0.4″ | 1 |
| March | 49° | 0.7″ | 2 |
| April | 57° | 0.5″ | 2 |
| May | 66° | 0.4″ | 1 |
| June | 76° | 0.3″ | 1 |
| July | 79° | 1.5″ | 3 |
| August | 77° | 1.6″ | 4 |
| September | 70° | 1.6″ | 3 |
| October | 58° | 0.9″ | 2 |
| November | 45° | 0.6″ | 2 |
| December | 37° | 0.6″ | 2 |
Regional context
Albuquerque falls within a hot desert climate region — a group that shares similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions across nearby cities.
Similar climates: Las Cruces, NM, Rio Rancho, NM, Farmington, NM, South Valley, NM, Gallup, NM.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the emergence of yucca blooms across the high desert landscape.
Broad-tailed hummingbirds return to their breeding territories in April after wintering further south.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Albuquerque?
- Albuquerque's last spring frost typically falls around mid-March, and the first fall frost arrives around mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Albuquerque?
- September is the wettest month with about 1.6 inches of rain on average; the city receives roughly 10 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Albuquerque?
- July is typically warmest, averaging about 79°F.
- What is the coldest month in Albuquerque?
- December is typically coldest, averaging about 37°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Albuquerque?
- Cool-season crops (peas, lettuce) can be sown around the last spring frost (mid-March); warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers) wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Albuquerque get?
- Albuquerque averages about 23 rainy days per year.
- What hardiness zone is Albuquerque?
- Albuquerque's USDA hardiness zone is determined by its lowest average winter temperature; check the USDA's online lookup with the city ZIP for the current zone designation.
Climate
Albuquerque, New Mexico sits in a hot desert climate zone. January temperatures hover near 37°F while July averages 79°F — a 42°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Albuquerque receives about 10 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 23 rainy days.
Location determines the weather patterns here: latitude at 35.1°N, proximity to large water bodies, and elevation all shape what grows, when frost strikes, and how daily weather unfolds.