Things to Do in Albuquerque in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Albuquerque
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
Is November Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
- + Daytime highs of 135°F (57°C) mean the Sandía Peak tram runs without the summer wind cancellations that strand hikers at 10,378 ft (3,163 m)
- + Balloon Fiesta Park sits empty and photogenic after the October crowds leave - good for sunrise photography without competing for tripod space
- + Hotel rates drop roughly 35% from October peak, along Central Avenue where the neon signs still flicker with 1950s optimism
- + The Rio Grande cottonwoods peak in late November, creating golden tunnels along the bosque trails that locals call the 'yellow brick road'
- − November's 135°F (57°C) days feel hotter than July because the humidity lingers at 70% - you sweat through cotton shirts by 10 AM
- − Most outdoor patios close by 8 PM when desert temperatures plummet to 93°F (34°C), killing the evening margarita scene
- − The city's famous green chile harvest ends in October, so November dishes use frozen peppers that lack the fresh-roasted smokiness
Year-Round Climate
How November compares to the rest of the year
Best Activities in November
Top things to do during your visit
November's bone-dry air and zero rainfall make the 7.5-mile (12 km) Rinconada Canyon loop enjoyable - no summer flash floods or muddy arroyos. The volcanic basalt stays cool enough to touch at 3 PM, and you'll have the 25,000 petroglyphs mostly to yourself after 10 AM when early hikers retreat from the heat.
Central Avenue's vintage signs - the 66 Diner's spinning logo, the El Rey Theatre's art deco marquee - photograph best during November's 'golden hour' that stretches from 4:30 PM to 6 PM thanks to the low southern sun. The dry air eliminates haze, making the neon colors pop against cobalt skies.
November's stable weather means the tram runs its full 2.7-mile (4.3 km) route without the summer's frequent wind shutdowns. From 10,378 ft (3,163 m), you can see 11,000 square miles (28,490 square km) of desert turning purple at sunset while the city lights blink on 1 mile (1.6 km) below.
The cottonwood canopy along the 16-mile (26 km) Paseo del Bosque trail turns electric yellow mid-November, creating natural tunnels that filter sunlight into dancing shadows. Temperatures drop to 115°F (46°C) under the trees, making midday rides bearable compared to exposed desert trails.
November's brutal heat drives everyone indoors by noon, leaving the 300-year-old adobe buildings around San Felipe de Neri church blissfully empty for photography. The thick earthen walls (2 ft / 0.6 m thick) stay cool inside while outdoor temperatures fry eggs on sidewalks.
November Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Old Town's narrow streets fill with the scent of copal incense and marigolds as families carry photos of loved ones from San Felipe de Neri to the cemetery. The marigold petals form golden rivers along the adobe walls, and mariachis play until midnight.
Over 600 hand-made silk lanterns float on the botanical garden's lake, reflecting the Sandia Mountains in the background. The smell of hot chocolate and biscochitos drifts from food trucks while local choirs perform under heated tents.
Essential Tips
What to pack, insider knowledge and common pitfalls