Last updated: February 24, 2025
December in Albuquerque presents a striking contrast in weather, with maximum temperatures peaking at a mild 18°C (64°F) and averaging around 3°C (38°F). The month can be chilly, dipping to a brisk minimum of -16°C (3°F), making warm layers essential for outdoor activities. While the city sees only 11 mm (0.4 in) of precipitation over just 2 days, the air is notably humid, with levels reaching 79%. This unique blend of temperatures and moisture creates an invigorating atmosphere, perfect for embracing the festive season.
In December, Albuquerque experiences a significant chill as winter settles in, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -16°C (3°F) to a maximum of 18°C (64°F). The average temperature hovers around 3°C (38°F), marking one of the coldest months of the year. This month continues the downward trend seen from the autumn months, where November's mild average of 8°C (47°F) gives way to winter's embrace. As residents prepare for the holidays, the crisp air is accompanied by a clear sky, creating a stunning contrast with the vibrant city lights, while the cooler evenings invite cozy gatherings indoors. December in Albuquerque not only highlights the beautiful range of seasonal temperatures but also sets the stage for the enchanting winter months to come.
In December, Albuquerque experiences a subtle decrease in precipitation, with an average of 11 mm (0.4 in) spread over just 2 days of the month. This marks a continuation of a trend observed throughout the fall, where rainfall gradually tapers off leading into winter. Compared to the wetter summer months, such as July and September, which see up to 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain, December's precipitation is relatively modest. However, it reflects the city's semi-arid climate, where even this mild amount can impact the landscape. As the year draws to a close, the dry spell signals a shift towards cooler temperatures and prepares Albuquerque for the drier months ahead.
In Albuquerque, December brings a moderate humidity level of 79%, aligning closely with the wetter months preceding it. As the winter season begins, residents experience a noticeable increase in moisture compared to the drier summer months, where humidity dips to around 55% in June. This gradual rise from the lower 57% in May to November's peak of 81% suggests a pattern of increasing humidity as the year draws to a close. Interestingly, December's humidity remains consistent with February's 79%, hinting at a stabilizing trend during the winter. As temperatures drop, Albuquerque’s air becomes slightly more humid, setting the stage for a crisp, refreshing end to the year.
In Albuquerque, the UV Index exhibits a notable seasonal trajectory throughout the year. Starting from a moderate level of 4 in January, the UV exposure gradually escalates, peaking at an extreme 12 during the sizzling summer months of June, July, and August. As the fall chill sets in, the index dips to 8 in October before settling back to a moderate 5 in November and returning to 4 come December. This consistent pattern highlights the need for sun protection, especially in the sunnier months, while still reminding residents to stay mindful of UV exposure during the winter. For more insights on UV conditions, visit Albuquerque UV Index.
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As the year draws to a close, December in Albuquerque offers a gentle farewell to the sun, delivering a cozy 244 hours of sunshine. This month sees a slight decline from the peak brightness of June and July, each basking in a robust 368 hours. Although winter settles in, December still secures a solid amount of sunlight, reflecting a trend of diminishing but consistent radiance as the city transitions into cooler months. Following a vibrant spring and summer that showcase the area’s sunniest months, this seasonal shift exhibits Albuquerque's characteristic blend of semi-arid beauty and warm desert spirit, inviting both residents and visitors to embrace the softer winter glow.
In Albuquerque, December offers a 66% chance of sunny weather, making it a favorable time for those seeking respite from winter gloom. This figure aligns closely with the month's average, showing that while December is cooler, there's still a good likelihood of sunshine. Notably, as the year progresses, the chances of sun tend to peak in October at 78%, and while there's a slight dip in December, it remains brighter than the summer months of June and July, which drop to 60% and 57%, respectively. Overall, December continues a trend of consistent sunny days, providing a cheerful backdrop for holiday festivities in the region.
As the year winds down in Albuquerque, December ushers in the shortest days, with daylight lasting only 9 hours. This decline in daylight follows a seasonal trend that begins in the summer months, where June, July, and August bask in 14 hours of sunshine, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Gradually, from September onward, the duration of daylight diminishes—slipping to 12 hours in September, then 11 hours in October and November. The consistent pattern reflects the natural transition from the long, sun-filled days of summer to the briefer daylight of winter, reminding residents of the cycle of the seasons and the beauty found in each unique phase of the year.
In December, Albuquerque experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 2.8 m/s (6 mph), consistent with the calmer winds of the winter season. Following a gradual decline from the spring months, where the winds peak at 3.6 m/s (8 mph) in both March and April, the city transitions into the quieter air of summer, hitting a low of 2.3 m/s (5 mph) in July. As the year winds down, December's breezes slightly increase from the November lull, showcasing a subtle trend of moderate wind speeds as the region prepares for the colder months. This pattern highlights Albuquerque's unique climate, where even in winter, the winds remain a notable aspect of the atmosphere.
The weather in Albuquerque changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of December's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Albuquerque and find detailed weather information for every month.
In December, temperatures in Albuquerque range from a minimum of -16°C (3°F) to a maximum of 18°C (64°F), with an average temperature of 3°C (38°F). During this month, there is relatively low precipitation, totaling 11 mm (0.4 in) over just 2 days, while humidity sits at 79%. In contrast, January experiences slightly lower temperatures, with a minimum of -17°C (1°F) and a maximum of 16°C (60°F), averaging around 2°C (37°F). Precipitation increases to 16 mm (0.6 in) over 4 days, and humidity decreases slightly to 78%. For more detailed insights, check out Albuquerque weather in January.
December and February in Albuquerque exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. December experiences a wider temperature range, with lows dipping to -16°C (3°F) and highs reaching 18°C (64°F), giving an average of around 3°C (38°F). It typically has lower precipitation, averaging just 11 mm (0.4 in) over 2 days. In contrast, February shows slightly milder conditions, with an average temperature of 5°C (41°F) and highs peaking at 23°C (74°F). This month receives more precipitation, amounting to 17 mm (0.7 in) over 3 days. Interestingly, both months share a consistent humidity level of 79%. For more detailed insights, you can check Albuquerque weather in February.
December weather features more pronounced cold, with temperatures ranging from a chilling minimum of -16°C (3°F) to an average of 3°C (38°F) and a maximum of 18°C (64°F). The month experiences low precipitation, only 11 mm (0.4 in) over just two days, with humidity at a relatively high 79%. In contrast, March sees a significant warming trend, with temperatures from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to an average of 10°C (50°F) and a pleasant maximum of 27°C (81°F). The precipitation increases slightly to 13 mm (0.5 in) over three days, and humidity drops to 66%. For more details on the March weather, you can explore Albuquerque weather in March.
In December, temperatures range from a chilly -16°C (3°F) at night to a mild 18°C (64°F) during the day, with an average of about 3°C (38°F). The month sees limited precipitation of 11 mm (0.4 in) over just two days and a relatively high humidity of 79%. In contrast, April experiences a wider temperature range, with minimums around -3°C (27°F) and daytime highs soaring to 30°C (86°F), resulting in a comfortable average of 15°C (59°F). While April has slightly higher precipitation at 14 mm (0.6 in) over the same two days, the humidity drops to 60%, making for a fresher atmosphere. For more detailed insights, check out Albuquerque weather in April.
December and May present starkly contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures can drop as low as -16°C (3°F) with an average of 3°C (38°F), while May experiences a much warmer range, with averages reaching 20°C (68°F) and maximums peaking at 33°C (92°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in December at 11 mm (0.4 in), but both months see rain on only about two days. Additionally, December's higher humidity at 79% gives it a much chillier feel compared to the drier May, where humidity sits at a more comfortable 57%. For a more detailed overview of May's weather, check out Albuquerque weather in May.
December and June present contrasting weather conditions, with December characterized by cooler temperatures, averaging around 3°C (38°F) and reaching a maximum of 18°C (64°F). The month sees a low of -16°C (3°F) and maintains a higher humidity level of 79%, despite only experiencing precipitation on two days with a total of 11 mm (0.4 in). In stark contrast, June boasts much warmer temperatures, with an average of 25°C (78°F) and maxima soaring up to 39°C (102°F). The minimum temperature in June is a more temperate 9°C (48°F), and the month enjoys a lower humidity of 55%, with similar precipitation levels of 10 mm (0.4 in) also falling over just two days. For more insights, visit Albuquerque weather in June.
December and July present strikingly contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures range from a chilly -16°C (3°F) to a mild 18°C (64°F), with an average of 3°C (38°F) and high humidity at 79%. This month experiences minimal precipitation of 11 mm (0.4 in) over just two days, creating a crisp and often frosty atmosphere. In stark contrast, July boasts a much warmer climate, with temperatures fluctuating between 16°C (60°F) and a scorching 38°C (101°F), averaging 26°C (80°F). This summer month sees higher precipitation at 24 mm (0.9 in) over five days, accompanied by considerably lower humidity at 56%. For a detailed look at the warm summer weather, check out Albuquerque weather in July.
December and August present stark contrasts in weather. December's temperatures range from a frigid minimum of -16°C (3°F) to a comfortable maximum of 18°C (64°F), while the average temperature hovers around 3°C (38°F). In contrast, August boasts much warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures of 15°C (58°F) and soaring highs reaching up to 37°C (99°F), and an average of 26°C (78°F). Despite both months receiving the same amount of precipitation at 11 mm (0.4 in), December typically experiences two days of rain compared to three in August. Additionally, December's higher humidity at 79% contrasts with August's drier conditions at 65%. For more details, check out Albuquerque weather in August.
December weather is characterized by much colder temperatures, with minimums plummeting to -16°C (3°F) and averages around 3°C (38°F), contrasting sharply with the warm September temperatures that range from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 35°C (95°F). While both months experience a similar number of precipitation days, December has significantly less rainfall at just 11 mm (0.4 in) compared to September's 24 mm (0.9 in). Furthermore, December's humidity is slightly higher at 79%, giving it a chillier feel, whereas September enjoys lower humidity levels of 72%. For those curious about September's weather specifics, you can find more information here: Albuquerque weather in September.
When comparing the weather in December and October, we see a stark contrast in temperatures. December experiences much colder conditions, with average temperatures around 3°C (38°F) and nighttime lows dipping to -16°C (3°F), while October boasts a milder average of 14°C (58°F) and highs reaching up to 30°C (87°F). Additionally, October sees greater precipitation, totaling 24 mm (1.0 in) over three days, compared to December's lighter 11 mm (0.4 in) over just two days. Interestingly, humidity levels remain similar in both months, with December at 79% and October slightly lower at 78%. For more detailed insights on October's climate, you can check Albuquerque weather in October.
When comparing the weather in December and November, December tends to be colder overall, with a minimum temperature dropping to -16°C (3°F) compared to November's minimum of -7°C (20°F). The average temperature in December is 3°C (38°F), while November has a more moderate average of 8°C (47°F). Both months experience similar levels of precipitation, with December receiving 11 mm (0.4 in) and November slightly higher at 14 mm (0.6 in), though both months have rainfall on just 2 days. Humidity levels are quite similar as well, with December at 79% and November at 81%. For a more comprehensive overview, you can check Albuquerque weather in November.
As December descends upon Albuquerque, the city experiences a distinct shift in weather, bringing cooler temperatures and crisp air that contrast sharply with the milder months preceding it. With an average of 3°C (38°F), residents and visitors alike can expect to bundle up while enjoying the beautiful winter scenery. Although the month sees relatively low precipitation, with only about 11 mm over a couple of days, the humidity levels remain elevated at 79%, adding to the chill in the air. The dramatic fluctuations in temperature, from the occasional highs of 18°C (64°F) to chilling lows of -16°C (3°F), highlight December as a time for warmth from both clothing and community. For a deeper understanding of how these seasonal shifts play a role in what makes Albuquerque unique, visit Albuquerque Climate.