Late spring · Weather & things to do
Albuquerque in May
Albuquerque warms up: highs climb to 83°F (29°C), from 74°F in April, with lows of 51°F (11°C) and about 0.5 in (13 mm) of rain.
At 91/100 for comfort (4th of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 83°F (29°C)
- Avg low
- 51°F (11°C)
- Rain
- 0.5 in (13 mm)
- Humidity
- 30%
- Cloud cover
- 39%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 51 min
- Comfort score
- 91/100 · Great
What May feels like
Days are warm, averaging 83°F (29°C), easy weather for being outside from morning to evening.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 18°C (32°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
Low humidity, around 30%, makes the air feel crisp and dry.
Rain is scarce: about 0.5 in (13 mm) for the whole month.
Plan around May
May is one of Albuquerque's best months on the climate data.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by June, the score drops to 65/100.
- Comfort slips from 96/100 in April to 91/100.
- Our Santa Fe & Albuquerque route is planned for Mid-Dec – early Jan, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — May falls outside it.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes83°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 51°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Albuquerque in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Old Town Albuquerque
The original 1706 plaza, with adobe shops and a lit Christmas tree, lined with luminarias on Christmas Eve.
Why now May scores 91/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
San Felipe de Neri Church
Adobe church from 1793 on the north side of the Old Town plaza, still an active parish.
Frontier Restaurant
Busy diner across from the university since 1971, known for breakfast burritos and sweet rolls.
River of Lights
Walk-through light show at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, with large lit sculptures of animals and plants.
Why now Highs near 83°F and 0.5 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Sandia Peak Tramway
Aerial tram climbing about 4 km to the 3,163 m crest of the Sandias, often snowy in winter, with views over the city.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in May
- Santa Fe in May~58 mi · highs 75°F, 0.8 in rain · 5°C (9°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Abiquiú in May~80 mi · highs 76°F, 0.9 in rain · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Taos in May~110 mi · highs 72°F, 1.2 in rain · 6°C (11°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Aspen in May~284 mi · highs 60°F, 1.7 in rain · 13°C (23°F) cooler by day, wetter
These averages also cover Nob Hill and Old Town Albuquerque.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~1,687 m to Albuquerque's ~1,510 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Albuquerque in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Albuquerque?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 91/100. Expect highs of 83°F (29°C) and 0.5 in (13 mm) of rain.
How hot is Albuquerque in May?
Average highs are 83°F (29°C) and average lows 51°F (11°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Albuquerque in May?
Not much: about 0.5 in (13 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 10.2 in (258 mm).
What should I pack for Albuquerque in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (83°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 51°F), lip balm and moisturizer (dry air) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Albuquerque
Planning Albuquerque in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.