Things to Do in Albuquerque in November

November Weather in Albuquerque

57°C (135°F) High Temp

34°C (93°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with crisp mornings averaging 7°C (45°F) and comfortable afternoons reaching 18°C (65°F) - ideal for Sandia Peak and Petroglyph National Monument trails without summer's punishing heat
Balloon Fiesta afterglow season means experienced crews still operate daily flights with 85% success rates due to stable November wind patterns, while avoiding October's crowds and premium pricing
Green chile harvest season peaks in November - local restaurants serve the freshest roasted Hatch chiles, and you can buy directly from farmers at 40% less than grocery store prices
Clear desert skies with minimal cloud cover create exceptional stargazing conditions and dramatic sunrise/sunset photography opportunities, enhanced by crisp air visibility extending 80+ km (50+ miles)

Considerations

November marks the start of winter weather unpredictability - sudden temperature drops of 15-20°C (25-35°F) can occur within hours when cold fronts move through from Colorado
Limited daylight hours (10 hours total) means outdoor activities must be planned around 7:15am sunrise and 5:30pm sunset, reducing flexibility for spontaneous exploration
Wind patterns intensify in late November with gusts reaching 50+ km/h (30+ mph), making outdoor dining uncomfortable and creating challenging driving conditions on high desert roads

Best Activities in November

Sandia Peak Tramway and High Desert Hiking

November offers ideal hiking conditions with cool mornings and warm afternoons. The tramway provides access to 3,163m (10,378ft) elevation where temperatures drop 17°C (30°F) cooler than city level. Clear autumn air offers visibility extending to Colorado peaks 160km (100 miles) north. Snow typically hasn't arrived yet, keeping trails accessible.

Booking Tip: Tramway tickets cost $25-30 for adults. Book online 3-5 days ahead for weekend visits. Morning departures (8-10am) offer best photography light and fewer crowds. Dress in layers - temperature differential between base and summit is dramatic.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

November extends Albuquerque's balloon season with stable atmospheric conditions and minimal wind shear. Launch success rates exceed 85% compared to summer's 60%. Post-Fiesta pricing drops 30-40% while maintaining ideal flying weather. Dawn flights showcase autumn light across 13,000 square kilometers of high desert landscape.

Booking Tip: Book balloon flights 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators. Expect $180-250 per person for standard flights. Meet-up times typically 6:30am for 7:15am sunrise launches. Cancellation rates drop significantly in November due to stable weather patterns.

Green Chile Harvest and Food Tours

November marks peak green chile harvest season when local farms offer fresh-roasted Hatch chiles at roadside stands. Restaurants feature seasonal green chile dishes unavailable other times. Farm visits include picking experiences and direct-from-grower purchasing at 40% below retail pricing.

Booking Tip: Self-guided farm visits cost $10-15 per person with 5-10kg bags of roasted chiles running $25-35. Weekend harvest events require advance booking. Many farms operate cash-only. Morning visits (8-11am) offer best selection before daily inventory sells out.

Old Town and Rio Grande Bosque Nature Walks

November brings migrating sandhill cranes to the Rio Grande Bosque, with peak viewing from mid-November through December. Cottonwood trees display golden autumn colors lasting 2-3 weeks. Moderate temperatures make lengthy walking tours comfortable without summer heat stress.

Booking Tip: Bosque trail access is free with parking $3-5 at Nature Center. Guided birdwatching tours typically cost $35-50 per person and should be booked 5-7 days ahead. Early morning walks (7-9am) offer best wildlife viewing before daily trail traffic increases.

Petroglyphs National Monument Exploration

Cool November weather makes the exposed volcanic escarpment comfortable for extended hiking among 25,000 ancient petroglyphs. Summer temperatures often exceed 40°C (105°F) on these black rock faces, but November averages 18°C (65°F). Clear air enhances photography of rock art against dramatic desert backdrop.

Booking Tip: Monument entry is $5 per vehicle for 7 days. No advance booking required. Rinconada Canyon trail (2.2km/1.4mi round trip) offers easiest access to major petroglyph panels. Avoid weekends after 10am when school groups arrive.

High Desert Astronomy and Stargazing

November's clear, dry air and minimal light pollution create exceptional stargazing conditions. New Mexico's high elevation (1,619m/5,312ft) and low humidity enhance stellar visibility. Venus, Jupiter, and Mars align favorably in November 2025 evening sky. Temperature drops after sunset require warm clothing but eliminate atmospheric distortion.

Booking Tip: Public observatory sessions cost $8-12 per person. Private astronomy tours range $75-125 per person for 2-3 hour experiences. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend sessions. Dress warmly - temperatures drop 15-20°C (25-35°F) after sunset.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Dia de los Muertos Celebrations

Old Town's authentic Day of the Dead celebrations feature local families creating elaborate altars, traditional foods, and evening luminaria displays. Unlike tourist-focused events elsewhere, Albuquerque's celebration maintains deep cultural connections with local Hispanic communities.

Mid November

Green Chile Harvest Festival

Multiple farms throughout the Rio Grande Valley host harvest celebrations featuring chile roasting demonstrations, traditional New Mexican cooking classes, and direct-from-farm sales. These working farm events offer authentic experiences away from commercial venues.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - morning temperatures around 7°C (45°F) rise to 18°C (65°F) by afternoon, requiring flexibility to add/remove layers throughout the day

Warm jacket or fleece for evening activities - desert temperature drops of 15-20°C (25-35°F) after sunset catch many visitors unprepared

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 even in November due to high elevation (1,619m/5,312ft) and thin atmosphere

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support - volcanic rock trails at Petroglyph Monument and Sandia foothills require proper footwear on uneven terrain

Lip balm and moisturizer - desert humidity averages 25-30%, causing rapid skin dehydration that surprises visitors from humid climates

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated requires 3-4 liters daily in high desert climate, and metal bottles prevent freezing during early morning activities

Wind-resistant outer layer - November gusts frequently exceed 40 km/h (25 mph), making lightweight windbreakers essential for outdoor comfort

Comfortable walking shoes for Old Town - cobblestone streets and uneven adobe sidewalks require supportive footwear beyond fashion considerations

Small daypack for hiking gear - trail distances of 3-8 km (2-5 miles) require carrying extra water, snacks, and weather protection layers

Insider Knowledge

Local grocery chains like Smith's and Albertsons sell freshly roasted green chiles in November at 50% less than specialty shops - look for 'Hatch' variety labels and buy extra to freeze

Sandia Tramway's first and last cars of the day offer best photography opportunities with fewer tourists, plus staff often share geological knowledge during off-peak hours

November's stable weather patterns mean hot air balloon companies operate with higher success rates than advertised - if your morning flight cancels due to wind, afternoon launches often proceed

Rio Grande Bosque access points south of Central Avenue receive fewer visitors but offer identical wildlife viewing and autumn foliage without parking challenges

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature swings - bringing only summer clothes or only winter clothes instead of layered options for 20°C+ daily temperature variations

Planning outdoor activities during midday wind periods - November winds peak between 11am-3pm, making morning and late afternoon optimal for hiking and photography

Booking accommodation near Balloon Fiesta Park expecting October-level activity - November balloon operations are smaller-scale with different launch sites throughout the metro area