Albuquerque in January
In January, Albuquerque averages 8°C (47°F) during the day and -3°C (27°F) at night, with around 5 days of rain (22 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
January 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 January compares to the rest of the year in Albuquerque
January is one of the coolest months in Albuquerque (12th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 14°C below the annual average (22°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (9°C) and warms a further 4°C into February (13°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Albuquerque
Times shown for Albuquerque local time (America/Denver), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Albuquerque — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Albuquerque's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Albuquerque in January
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 January's tier (Shoulder) and Albuquerque's popularity.
January 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 — January in Albuquerque
Albuquerque is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — January 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 January
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 January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Albuquerque in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Albuquerque in January?
In January, Albuquerque averages a high of 8°C (47°F) and a low of -3°C (27°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Albuquerque in January?
January sees occasional rain in Albuquerque, with about 5 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Albuquerque?
January is cold and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Albuquerque in January?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves. See the full January packing list for Albuquerque for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.