Albuquerque in February
Good time to visit
Still quiet season with great deals on accommodations. The weather's more forgiving than January but you'll still need that winter coat.
Weather
February stays cold but starts warming slightly during the day. Still bone dry with maybe 4-5 rainy days max. The Sandias often have snow caps while the valley stays clear and sunny.
11°C high-3°C low4 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$88/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Valentine's weekend events
- •Chinese New Year celebrations
February Tips
- •Book the Sandia Peak Tramway early - it's popular even in winter
- •Restaurants in Old Town are less crowded, perfect for trying local spots
- •Sunrise hot air balloon rides are magical but dress warmly
All Months
October brings perfect weather and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Over 500 hot air balloons launch at sunrise from Balloon Fiesta Park. Book hotels months ahead — prices triple during the nine-day event. Dawn patrol launches start at 5:45am in near-freezing temperatures, so pack layers.
Spring (March through May) offers mild days and blooming desert wildflowers. The cottonwoods along the Rio Grande turn bright green. This is ideal hiking weather with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. But spring winds can be fierce — dust storms occasionally close the interstate.
Summer gets hot but not unbearable. Afternoon thunderstorms cool things down and create dramatic sunsets over the volcanoes. The monsoon season runs July through September. Many locals escape to the mountains or northern New Mexico.
Winter brings snow to the Sandia Mountains but rarely to the city. December through February sees daytime highs in the 40s and 50s. The low humidity makes it feel warmer. Plus, hotel rates drop significantly.
Albuquerque Scores
Solo
7/10
Couples
6/10
Families
8/10
Adventure
7/10
Budget
8/10
Luxury
4/10
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