brown and green mountain under blue sky during daytime

Albuquerque

Go to Albuquerque for Old Town's adobe plaza, the Sandia Peak Tramway and green chile on a Southwest road trip.

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Albuquerque is New Mexico's largest city, set in the high desert of the American Southwest. The Rio Grande runs through it, and the Sandia Mountains rise to the east. Old Town, the historic core, was founded in 1706 and is built around a plaza of adobe buildings. Start a walk there, then head out from the square.

The Sandia Peak Tramway climbs from the city to the crest of the Sandia Mountains. The International Balloon Fiesta is held in early October, so check dates before you book. Green chile is the local pepper and appears across the city's menus. Plan two or three days in the city, plus a day for Santa Fe, about an hour's drive north. Old Town suits a plaza-centered trip, while Nob Hill puts you near restaurants and shops along Central Avenue.

Albuquerque in five

Time the balloon fiestaThe Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta runs in early October and books rooms months ahead. Reserve early or choose another week if you want quiet.Balloon Fiesta
Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway at clear hoursThe tram climbs the mountain east of the city, with city views and trails at the top. Check operating hours and weather before you go, since high winds can close it.Sandia Peak Tramway
Eat green chileNew Mexico chile, red or green, appears on many menus. Ask for "Christmas" to try both on one plate.
Plan for the altitude and dry airThe city sits at about 5,300 feet (1,620 m). Drink water, use sunscreen and take it easy on the first day.
Check entry rules before you book into the SunportVisa Waiver Program passports need an approved ESTA before boarding, and other passports need a visa. Confirm which applies to you before you buy a fare.Visa checker

Things to do in Albuquerque

See all attractions in Albuquerque

Museum · AlbuquerqueNational Museum of Nuclear Science & HistorySet aside at least a couple of hours; there is a lot to read and explore.

a sign that reads albuqueroque with a waterfall in the background

Museum · AlbuquerqueAlbuquerque MuseumRegister your vehicle with museum staff for up to three hours of complimentary parking.

Aquarium · AlbuquerqueABQ BioPark AquariumCheck ahead for exhibit closures so you know what will be open.

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to AlbuquerquePut the places you like in Albuquerque on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Airport: Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), about 10 min to downtown by car
Getting there: Fly into ABQ; drive from Santa Fe in about 1 hour
Getting around: Car or rideshare; the ABQ RIDE bus network
Best base: Old Town, downtown or Nob Hill
Time needed: 2 days; 3 to 4 with Santa Fe

Weather by month

Rainy days
Snowy days
Days with storms

Best
Good
Mixed

JanuaryClear4 rainy days1 snowy dayHigh8°Low-2°Cold, sun
FebruaryClear4 rainy days1 snowy dayHigh12°Low0°Cool, dry
MarchClear5 rainy daysHigh17°Low4°Windy, spring
AprilClear3 rainy daysHigh22°Low8°Mild, spring
MayClear3 rainy daysHigh27°Low13°Warm, dry
JuneClear3 rainy daysHigh33°Low18°Hot, dry
JulyClear4 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh34°Low21°Hot, monsoon
AugustClear5 rainy daysHigh32°Low20°Hot, monsoon
SeptemberClear4 rainy daysHigh29°Low16°Warm, clear
OctoberClear4 rainy daysHigh22°Low9°Balloon Fiesta
NovemberClear4 rainy days1 snowy dayHigh15°Low3°Cool, clear
DecemberClear3 rainy daysHigh10°Low-1°Cold, luminarias

Average daily high and low in Albuquerque, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Albuquerque

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 5°
Humidity: 46%
Wind: 40 km/h
Chance of rain: 75%

Albuquerque

01:36 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT-7

Today12°6°75%Monday: Rain. High 12°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 75%.
Tue15°4°0%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 15°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 0%.
Wed19°10°0%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 19°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 0%.
Thu16°9°0%Thursday: Cloudy. High 16°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 0%.
Fri18°11°4%Friday: Cloudy. High 18°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 4%.
Sat15°8°4%Saturday: Cloudy. High 15°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 4%.

Updated 10:00 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD

Amount

Converted to

USD · US Dollar

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

What's on in Albuquerque

Concerts, festivals and big events in and around the city

Events calendar

Coming up

AlbuquerqueAlbuquerque Balloon FiestaOct 2 – 11, 2027 · Read the event guide

Day trips by train

Santa Feabout 1 hour by carAdobe plaza, museums and galleries; the Rail Runner also runs on its current schedule.Read the guide
Taosabout 2.5 to 3 hours by carA high-desert town with a historic pueblo and art galleries.Read the guide
Acoma Puebloabout 1 hour by carA mesa-top Native community; tours run on set schedules.

Before you go to Albuquerque

Rental car for the SouthwestAlbuquerque is a road-trip hubCompare car rental

Hotels and rentalsCompare areas and ratesCheck availability

eSIM for the USAData on landing, no SIM swapRead the guide

Travel insurance for the USAUS medical care is costlyRead the guide

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Rules for Albuquerque, checked

Domestic flights need a REAL ID-compliant card or another accepted ID. Check the current requirements on the TSA website before you fly.Source
Visitors from visa waiver countries need an approved ESTA before they fly to the US. Apply only through the official CBP site.Source
Cannabis is legal for adults in New Mexico but remains illegal under federal law. Do not carry it on flights or across state lines.
Some Pueblo communities near Albuquerque restrict photography, sketching and recording. Ask at the visitor center or gate before you take a camera in.

Plan around Albuquerque

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Read the guide ESTA, explained

Who needs it, the fee and how to apply

Read the guide

Albuquerque FAQ

How many days do you need in Albuquerque?

Two days cover Old Town, the Sandia tram and a green chile meal. Add a day for Santa Fe or Acoma Pueblo. During the balloon fiesta, plan an early morning at the launch field.

Is Albuquerque worth visiting?

Yes, if you like Southwest food, mountain views and Route 66. It works best as a base for Santa Fe, pueblos and the Sandias rather than as a long-stay city.

When is the best time to visit Albuquerque?

April to May and September to October. Early October brings the balloon fiesta and crowds; July and August are hot with monsoon storms.

Do you need a car in Albuquerque?

Yes for most trips. The city is spread out, and day trips to Santa Fe, Taos and pueblos are easier by car. Old Town and Nob Hill are walkable once you are there.

Is Albuquerque safe for tourists?

Visitors usually stick to Old Town, downtown and Nob Hill. Like any big city, stay alert at night and avoid leaving valuables in a parked car.