Albuquerque in December
In December, Albuquerque averages 9°C (49°F) during the day and -1°C (29°F) at night, with only about 4 rainy days.
High seasonConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
December in Albuquerque is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Albuquerque
December is one of the coolest months in Albuquerque (11th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 13°C below the annual average (22°C). December runs 6°C cooler than November (15°C) and cools 1°C in January (8°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Albuquerque
Times shown for Albuquerque local time (America/Denver), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Albuquerque — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Albuquerque's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Albuquerque in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (High season) and Albuquerque's popularity.
December in United States — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.
Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Crowds & pricing — December in Albuquerque
This is a busy month in Albuquerque — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Albuquerque
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
🌬 Frosty nights — Albuquerque in December
Gear: Cold nights, milder days. Light insulated jacket fine for daytime, real coat for after dark.
Albuquerque in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C / 47°F | -3°C / 27°F | 22 mm | 5 | — |
| February | 13°C / 55°F | -1°C / 30°F | 19 mm | 4 | — |
| March | 18°C / 64°F | 3°C / 38°F | 17 mm | 5 | — |
| April | 23°C / 73°F | 7°C / 45°F | 14 mm | 3 | — |
| May | 27°C / 81°F | 12°C / 53°F | 17 mm | 3 | — |
| June | 33°C / 92°F | 18°C / 64°F | 13 mm | 2 | — |
| July | 34°C / 93°F | 21°C / 69°F | 17 mm | 5 | — |
| August | 32°C / 90°F | 19°C / 66°F | 20 mm | 3 | — |
| September | 29°C / 85°F | 16°C / 61°F | 19 mm | 3 | — |
| October | 22°C / 72°F | 9°C / 48°F | 30 mm | 4 | — |
| November | 15°C / 59°F | 3°C / 37°F | 20 mm | 4 | — |
| December | 9°C / 49°F | -1°C / 29°F | 20 mm | 4 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Albuquerque in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Albuquerque in December?
In December, Albuquerque averages a high of 9°C (49°F) and a low of -1°C (29°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Albuquerque in December?
December is generally dry in Albuquerque, with about 4 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Albuquerque?
December is cool and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Albuquerque in December?
Pack a warm jacket and layers. See the full December packing list for Albuquerque for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.