Things to Do in Albuquerque in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Albuquerque
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Crisp morning temperatures around 7-13°C (45-55°F) make early hiking in the Sandia Mountains absolutely perfect - you'll actually want layers until 10am, then strip down as temps climb. The light is exceptional for photography during these hours.
- Balloon Fiesta crowds are gone but operators still fly regularly when conditions allow. You get the full experience without the hotel price gouging or needing reservations six months out. Expect to pay 30-40% less than October rates.
- Green chile harvest season peaks in late October through November, meaning restaurants are working with the freshest roasted chiles of the year. The aroma throughout the city is noticeably stronger than summer months - locals call this the best eating time.
- Ski season at Sandia Peak typically opens mid-to-late November depending on snowfall, giving you the unusual combination of desert hiking in the morning and potential skiing in the afternoon. The 1,600 m (5,249 ft) elevation difference makes this possible.
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable in November - you might get 21°C (70°F) and sunny one day, then wake up to snow the next. The jet stream positioning makes forecasting beyond 3-4 days mostly guesswork. Pack for four seasons, actually.
- Wind is relentless, particularly afternoons. Sustained 24-32 km/h (15-20 mph) gusts are normal, sometimes reaching 64 km/h (40 mph). This grounds hot air balloons frequently and makes outdoor dining uncomfortable after 2pm. Locals just accept this as November reality.
- Many outdoor patios and rooftop bars close or operate limited hours since evenings drop to 2-7°C (35-45°F) quickly after sunset around 5pm. The city feels less vibrant after dark compared to summer months when people are out until midnight.
Best Activities in November
Sandia Peak Tramway and Mountain Hiking
November offers the most dramatic visual contrast you'll see all year - desert terrain at the base transitioning to potential snow coverage at 3,163 m (10,378 ft). Morning temperatures at the peak hover around -4 to 2°C (25-35°F) while the base is 15°C (59°F). The tramway runs year-round and crowds are minimal compared to summer. Visibility extends 160+ km (100+ miles) on clear days, which happen about 75% of November. The 4.3 km (2.7 mile) La Luz Trail from the base is spectacular right now with golden cottonwoods, though expect icy patches above 2,400 m (7,900 ft).
Old Town and Historic Walking Routes
The 1706-founded plaza area is actually pleasant to explore in November since you're not melting in 35°C (95°F) heat. Mid-morning around 10am-noon hits that sweet spot of 13-16°C (55-60°F) with lower wind. The adobe architecture photographs beautifully in the angled autumn light. San Felipe de Neri Church has been continuously operating since 1793 and offers a genuine historical anchor point, not just tourist set dressing. The surrounding galleries and shops are locally owned, though quality varies wildly - focus on the ones displaying work by New Mexico artists rather than mass-produced southwestern kitsch.
Rio Grande Bosque Nature Walks
The cottonwood forest along the Rio Grande turns golden-yellow in November, creating a 48 km (30 mile) corridor of autumn color that feels completely unexpected in a high desert city. Sandhill cranes migrate through starting mid-November, with flocks of 200-500 birds visible from the trails. Morning temperatures around 4-7°C (40-45°F) mean you'll likely have trails to yourself until 9am. The 2.4 km (1.5 mile) Paseo del Bosque Trail is paved and accessible, while the Corrales Bosque Preserve offers more rugged dirt paths. Wildlife activity peaks at dawn and dusk - coyotes, roadrunners, and occasionally bobcats.
Local Brewery and Distillery Tours
Albuquerque has developed a legitimate craft beverage scene over the past decade, with 30+ breweries and several distilleries now operating. November is actually ideal for this since outdoor beer gardens are still usable with fire pits during the 10am-3pm window when temps reach 16-21°C (60-70°F). The green chile beer styles are uniquely New Mexican and range from subtle to aggressively spicy. Several distilleries produce vodka and gin from New Mexico-grown grain and botanicals. The Nob Hill and downtown areas have the highest concentration within walking distance.
Petroglyph National Monument Exploration
Over 24,000 carved images created by Ancestral Puebloans and Spanish settlers between 400-700 years ago, spread across 11 km (7 miles) of volcanic escarpment. November weather makes the exposed basalt trails actually hikable - summer temps here regularly hit 38°C (100°F) with zero shade. The Boca Negra Canyon area offers three short trails ranging from 0.4-1.6 km (0.25-1 mile) with the highest concentration of visible petroglyphs. Rinconada Canyon is longer at 3.5 km (2.2 miles) and sees fewer visitors. Morning light from 8-10am creates the best contrast for photography and petroglyph visibility.
Hot Air Balloon Flight Experience
While October's Balloon Fiesta gets all the attention, November flights offer the same stunning Sandia Mountain backdrop and Rio Grande valley views without the circus atmosphere. The box winds that make Albuquerque ideal for ballooning are actually more consistent in November mornings. You'll fly with 2-8 other passengers instead of being part of a 500-balloon traffic jam. Flight conditions are weather-dependent - expect about 60-70% success rate for scheduled flights. The experience lasts 60-75 minutes airborne, reaching altitudes around 600-900 m (2,000-3,000 ft) with 360-degree desert and mountain views.
November Events & Festivals
River of Lights at ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden
Running late November through early January, this is the city's largest holiday light display with over 500,000 LED lights throughout the 14.5-hectare (36-acre) botanical garden. It's genuinely well-executed rather than tacky - the light installations incorporate the garden's existing plant collections and water features. Local musicians perform on weekends. The event draws crowds but is spread over enough space that it never feels claustrophobic. Evening temperatures will be 2-7°C (35-45°F), so dress accordingly.
Thanksgiving Weekend Art and Craft Markets
Multiple indoor markets pop up Thanksgiving weekend, with the largest at Expo New Mexico featuring 200+ artisans selling pottery, jewelry, textiles, and woodwork. Unlike summer markets that lean touristy, these cater to locals doing holiday shopping, meaning quality and authenticity are generally higher. Prices are negotiable, especially Sunday afternoon. You'll find genuine Native American pottery and jewelry alongside contemporary New Mexico artists. This is where locals actually shop, not just browse.