Many people are curious if it snows in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Sure, the winters are mild, but there is no guarantee that it doesn’t snow in Albuquerque.
This blog will look into the history of snowfall in Albuquerque and answer the question, “Does it snow in Albuquerque?”
Does It Snow in Albuquerque?
The answer to this question is, Yes, it does snow in Albuquerque! Albuquerque receives an average snowfall of 11 inches annually.
While snow is a common occurrence in Albuquerque, the amount of snowfall the city receives each year can vary greatly.
The city’s elevation, which is more than 5,000 feet above sea level, plays a big role in how much snow it gets. Snowfall totals also depend on the direction of the storms.
Most of Albuquerque’s storms come from the west, which means the city usually doesn’t get as much snow as areas to the east like Santa Fe.
The snow season in Albuquerque typically runs from mid-October to early April. However, there have been years when the first snowfall occurred as early as September and as late as May. The city’s heaviest snowfalls usually occur in February and March.
How Often Does It Snow in Albuquerque?
Albuquerque generally sees about 9 to 10 inches of snowfall each year. The month of December sees the most snow, with an average of 3 inches, while May sees the least, with an average of less than 1 inch. Albuquerque’s record snowfall for one day is 11.3 inches, which fell on December 29, 2006.
While Albuquerque has a record snowfall for one season is 34.3 inches. This occurred on December 31, 1973.
Albuquerque averages 60 days a year with measurable precipitation. Measurable precipitation is any amount that equals or exceeds 0.01 inches on the ground.
Of those 60 days, Albuquerque averages 16 days a year with freezing precipitation. Snow alone accounts for about 6 to 8 of those 16 days.
When Does It Snow in Albuquerque?
While Albuquerque does get snowfall each year, it is not as common as in other cities in New Mexico. The city averages about 9 to 11 inches of snow per year, which is enough to blanket the ground but not cause too many disruptions.
The best time to see snow in Albuquerque is usually in late December or early January. However, it is not unheard of for the city to see snowfall as early as November or as late as April.
The Climate in Albuquerque
Albuquerque has a dry climate with very little precipitation. The city experiences all four seasons, but the winters are mild, and the summers are hot.
Albuquerque is located in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, which provides some relief from the heat in the summer months.
Albuquerque has an arid climate with very little precipitation. The city experiences all four seasons, but the winters are mild, and the summers are hot.
Albuquerque is located in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, which provides some relief from the heat in the summer months.
The Seasons in Albuquerque
Albuquerque has two main seasons- winter and summer. Winter in Albuquerque lasts from December to February.
The average high temperature during winter is 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average low temperature is 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Albuquerque generally sees snowfall during winter, with an average of 11 inches of snow per year.
Summer in Albuquerque lasts from June to August. The average high temperature during summer is 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average low temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Albuquerque generally has very mild summers, with an occasional heat wave.
Popular Things to Do in Albuquerque in Winter
Although Albuquerque is located in a high desert, the city and surrounding area sees its fair share of winter weather. From mid-November through March, Albuquerque gets an average of 9.5 inches of snowfall. Thankfully, the city’s mild winters make it easy to enjoy all that Albuquerque has to offer, even when the temperatures drop.
Here are some ideas for things to do in Albuquerque in winter:
- Visit the ABQ BioPark Zoo: The ABQ BioPark Zoo is open year-round and offers a variety of winter activities, including keeper talks, animal feedings, and behind-the-scenes tours.
- Take a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway: The aerial tramway takes visitors from Albuquerque up to the 10,378-foot summit of Sandia Peak for stunning views of the city and surrounding area. The tram operates year-round, weather permitting.
- Explore Old Town Albuquerque: Old Town is a historic district in Albuquerque that offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and museums. Be sure to visit the San Felipe de Neri Church, which dates back to 1706.
- Enjoy a meal at one of Albuquerque’s many great restaurants: With its focus on New Mexican cuisine, Albuquerque is home to some truly unique dining experiences. Popular restaurants include La Plancha de Genoveva, El Patron Mexican Grill, and Zendo Artisan Coffeehouse & Tea Room.
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FAQs About Snow In Albuquerque
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Yes, it does snow in Albuquerque. While it is true that it may not get as heavy of snowfall as other places in states, but it has its own fair share of winter.
The amount of snow that falls in Albuquerque each year varies, but the average is around 11 inches. The city sees its fair share of winter weather, but snowfall is usually not heavy enough to cause major disruptions.
