Does it snow in Albuquerque? The answer is YES, Albuquerque does experience snow with 10.6 inches of snowfall on average.
December is the snowiest and coldest month, although January has the coldest nights.
Albuquerque has an arid semi-continental climate with frigid winters and hot, precipitous summers.
During the winter season, which lasts from December through February, average low temperatures fall below freezing.
Snow is prevalent in Albuquerque throughout the winter, with the city receiving an average of 9.5 inches (241.3 millimeters) of snowfall during the course of the winter.
In this article, I will answer in detail the question “does it snow in Albuquerque?”
Read on to know more about snow in Albuquerque.
Does it Snow in Albuquerque?
As previously stated, the answer is YES. The city does experience snow during the winter period.
Albuquerque, New Mexico, is one of the country’s most culturally diverse cities.
The city’s colorful and diverse ways of living may be evident in everyday life, from Spanish-style building designs and food to artwork.
Albuquerque has a land area of 489.17 square kilometers and runs from the Sandia Mountains in the north to the low, rocky lava bluffs in the south, passing through suburban areas, the Rio Grande River, and the Albuquerque basin.
With a population of about 560,000 inhabitants, it is also the most populated city in New Mexico.
Climate of Albuquerque
Summers in Albuquerque are hot and dry; winters are short, very cold, and snowy; and it is mainly clear all year.
Throughout the year, the temperature normally ranges from 27°F to 93°F, with temperatures rarely falling below 18°F or rising above 99°F.
From the end of May to the middle of September, the hot season lasts 3.7 months, with an average daily high temperature of more than 84°F.
July is the hottest month in Albuquerque, with average highs of 92°F and lows of 68°F.
From the end of November 21 to the middle of February, the cold season lasts three months, with an average temperature of 56°F.
December is the coldest month, with an average low of 29°F and high of 49°F.
How Often Does it Snow in Albuquerque?
There are winters in Albuquerque when it does not snow at all, but a few millimeters may fall in the subsequent year.
The snow also does not linger long because the sun swiftly melts it away. However, the city is located at an elevation of above 5,200 feet, where snowstorms are regular.
While snow is uncommon across the city of Albuquerque, it can fall on the West Mesa but not in the northeast or southeast valleys.
When Does it Snow in Albuquerque?
Despite the fact that snow normally falls from December to February, some portions of the city may see the first whites as early as October.
Albuquerque’s snowfall rises with height, with the high-altitude eastern regions of the city (Sandia Heights) receiving more snow in comparison to the other sides.
The winter period during which it snows runs from December to February.
December
around Albuquerque, the winter season begins around December.
It is cold, with average temperatures ranging from 43.9 degrees Fahrenheit (6.6 degrees Celsius) to 27.5 degrees Fahrenheit (-2.5 degrees Celsius).
December is the month with the most snowfall in Albuquerque, with 4.9 snowfall days and snow accumulations of up to 2.44 inches (62 millimeters).
Rainfall, on the other hand, falls for approximately 5 days and accumulates to a depth of 16 millimeters.
January
As winter ravages, temperatures drop further, with highs of 43.9 degrees Fahrenheit (6.6 degrees Celsius) and lows of 27.1 degrees Fahrenheit (-2.7 millimeters).
Snow occurs in Albuquerque on 3.9 snowfall days throughout the month, accumulating to a depth of 2.24 inches (57 millimeters).
Rainfall, on the other hand, falls for approximately 4 days and can amount to 0.51 inches (13 millimeters).
February
Albuquerque is still experiencing frigid conditions as the winter season comes to an end, despite rising average temperatures.
Albuquerque’s typical temperatures range from 49.3 degrees Fahrenheit (9.6 degrees Celsius) to 30.6 degrees Fahrenheit (-0.8 degrees Celsius).
Throughout the month, snow falls for approximately 4 days and accumulates to an average depth of 1.46 inches (37 millimeters).
During the month, the city receives rain for 4 days and receives up to 0.39 inches (10 millimeters) of precipitation.
How Much Does It Snow in Albuquerque?
The quantity of snowfall in Albuquerque is determined by the temperature of the Pacific Ocean, with an annual snowfall of about 10 inches.
When the sea is warmer, the southwestern region may see more snow and rain.
Each year, Albuquerque is pounded by many significant snowstorms.
It’s also not uncommon for portions of the city to receive snow while others remain dry.
In general, the mountains, such as the Sandia Mountains, take the brunt of winter storms, while the city receives merely dusting.
Snowfall in Albuquerque is also wet and heavy, but it normally melts the next day.
Does Albuquerque Experience Snowstorms?
YES, it does experience snowstorms.
Did you know that a winter storm in 2006 set a state record for the greatest snowfall in a single day?
If you lived in New Mexico at the time, you will recall the Albuquerque snowstorm vividly.
A big snowstorm enveloped the state in the final days of 2006, breaking snowfall records.
The snow began to fall on Friday, December 29, as if it were any other snowy night.
But in the morning, it was a whole different story.
Residents of Albuquerque awoke to 11.3 inches of snow, breaking a record.
Even more snow was reported in other sections of the state!
Residents in certain regions of the state were snowbound, and the snow continued to pour.
The National Guard had to step in to help clear roads, distribute supplies to rural people, and assist stranded vehicles.
What are Winters Like in Albuquerque?
Thirty years ago, a winter in Albuquerque meant a few snowstorms and roughly five inches of snow.
Businesses will close, and most residents will go cross-country skiing.
Snowfall in the city has, however, decreased in recent years.
Albuquerque is located in a valley surrounded by mountains to the east and a high mesa to the west.
Significant winter weather might happen in city areas due to the desert environment.
Albuquerque winters are also normally dry, thus roads are rarely impassable.
In addition, the city actively plows and sands icy regions.
How Cold Does it Get in Albuquerque During the Winter Months?
The low temperature in Albuquerque during the winter period ranges from 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can drop to about zero degrees.
In 2010, the city suffered a two-day cold spell with a record low temperature of 12 degrees Fahrenheit.
The temperature can fluctuate between 20 and 30 degrees all year.
In extreme cases, temperatures can range from 40 to 50 degrees during the day and drop to 20 degrees at night.
Albuquerque is a low-pressure area that receives some of the Canadian air that passes through Colorado.
Without the humidity that comes with the famous ‘dry heat,’ 90 degrees feels cooler.
So, from November to March, the middays may be cool enough, yet from May to September, when the days are pleasant, the evenings may be challenging.
Ski Resorts in Albuquerque
Having answered the question, “does it snow in Albuquerque? Let’s look at the ski resorts in this area.
Albuquerque, located in central New Mexico, has a thriving skiing region that attracts winter sports lovers from all over the state.
There are other ski slopes within a few hours’ journey of Albuquerque that are popular with visitors as well as locals.
Sandia Peak Ski Area
The Sandia Peak Ski Area is a ski resort in the Sandia Mountains east of Albuquerque.
It has some of New Mexico’s longest and most extensive cross-country skiing trail networks.
The ski resort encompasses 200 acres of skiable slopes and has a base height of 8,678 feet (2,645 meters) and a summit altitude of 10,378 feet (3,163 meters) above sea level.
It includes 35 skiing and snowboarding runs to accommodate all skill levels.
Sandia Peak ski has four double lifts, one aerial tramway, and a surface lift to transport passengers around the ski area.
It features a snow sports school that offers skiing and snowboarding lessons to winter sports lovers and occasionally conducts events and contests.
Santa Fe Ski Resort
Santa Fe Ski Resort lies in the Rocky Mountains, approximately a few hours from Albuquerque.
It offers 660 acres of skiable terrain and is located between elevations of 10,350 feet (3,155 meters) and 12,075 feet (3,680 meters) above sea level.
The resort features 68 lines to accommodate all levels of skiers and seven lifts to transfer visitors within the ski area.
Final Thoughts on the Question: “Does it Snow in Albuquerque?”
Does it snow in Albuquerque? As we’ve learnt from above, it does indeed snow in Albuquerque during the winter period.
Despite the arid semi-continental climate that has frigid winters and hot, precipitous summers, the area does receive snow and once in a while, it does experience snowstorms like the one in 2006.
If you’re a winter sports lover, there are great ski resorts situated a few hours’ drive from Albuquerque.