Whether you’re planning to visit Albuquerque in the spring or summer for a short trip or hoping to call the Duke City home, you might be wondering what to add to your activities list between March and September. After all, there are so many things to do in Albuquerque, and it can be tough to decide how to best spend your time.
We’re here to help! Let’s explore some of the best spring and summer activities in Albuquerque for newcomers, short-term visitors, and long-time residents alike.
Spring and Summer Activities in Albuquerque
As the weather warms up, Albuquerque locals and visitors are in for a treat — the Duke City’s slate of activities only grows in the spring and summer. And there are some that you simply can’t miss.
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#1 Enjoy the Great Outdoors
If you love being outside — breathing in the crisp spring air, soaking up the summer sun, and relishing in Mother Nature’s precious gifts — Albuquerque is the place to be once the weather warms up.
If you’d like to spend as much time outside as possible in the Duke City, be sure to check out local opportunities for:
- Hiking – Whether you’re looking for a short, out-and-back trail or want to gain some elevation, there’s a hike in the Albuquerque area that’s perfect for you. If you’re just visiting (or entertaining visitors), consider Petroglyph National Monument, a culturally enriching archaeological site just outside the city.
- Biking – Albuquerque is the place to be for bikers — there are more than 400 miles of biking trails and paths in city limits alone. Whether you’re looking for off-road mountain biking or peaceful city pedaling, you’re sure to find a path you love.
- Park-hopping – Albuquerque’s park scene is unmatched. With green spaces dotted around the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, there’s always a place to perch under a tree with a book, have a picnic with friends, or pace along a grassy path.
- Garden visits – Spring and summer in Albuquerque are both excellent seasons for exploring local flora at a local botanical garden.
#2 Immerse Yourself in Burque Culture
If you’re looking for culturally enriching experiences, you’ve come to the right place. With roots in early U.S. history and a rich heritage of Indigenous settlement, Albuquerque is the cultural hub of the Southwest.
Two of the most popular areas for history buffs are:
- Old Town – The Old Town neighborhood is lined with historic adobe buildings, charming shops, and scrumptious eats. Whether you grab a sopaipilla for a mid-morning snack or check out the boutiques in the afternoon, Old Town is a perfect place to spend a Duke City spring or summer day.
- Nob Hill – Seated along a stretch of iconic Route 66, the Nob Hill area is both a time capsule of mid-century aesthetics and a trendy destination for nightlife and local fare. With more than 300 businesses in the district, you simply can’t run out of things to do (and see and taste) in Nob Hill.
#3 Attend a Special Event
If you’re new in town and looking for a quintessential Burque experience, consider attending a special event during the spring or summer months. Trust us, you’ll have plenty to choose from!
If you can’t get enough of Southwestern culture, you’ll love the Gathering of Nations, a multi-day festival celebrating Indigenous history and traditions. The event has drawn in crowds from around the country for the last forty years. Typically hosted in April, it’s a great opportunity to learn more about New Mexico’s native community.
As the weather warms up, spring and summer are also excellent times to check out a food, beer, or wine festival in Albuquerque. Since the Albuquerque food and drink scene is so robust, there are numerous events to choose from throughout both seasons.
Spring and Summer in Albuquerque: FAQs from Visitors
What else do you need to know about visiting (or living in) Duke City during the spring and summer months? Let’s answer some FAQs from visitors and newcomers:
- What’s the weather like in Albuquerque during the spring and summer?
You simply can’t beat spring weather in Albuquerque. With average highs in the mid-60s and lows in the 40s, spring is the perfect time to soak up Burque’s best weather. While the summer can certainly heat up, remember that desert heat is dry — without humidity weighing you down, daytime temperatures in the mid-80s aren’t unbearable. Plus, desert evenings are still cool (with average low temperatures in the 40s and 50s).
- What’s the hottest month in Albuquerque?
Albuquerque’s hottest month is typically July — highs peak in the low 90s and lows only dip to the mid-60s, on average. This is also when the monsoon rains usually kick in to cool off the afternoons with a spectacular storm.
- What are the top activities to enjoy as the weather warms up? – If the dry heat doesn’t bother you, summer in Albuquerque is still an excellent time to spend time outdoors — hiking, biking, and park visits are all popular among Duke City residents and visitors in the summer. But, if you’re a little more sensitive to the heat, consider some of Albuquerque’s indoor attractions, like the many museums.
Discover the Duke City this Spring & Summer
Spring and summer in Albuquerque offer beautiful weather, countless outdoor activities, and unique events. But that “special something” simmers beneath the surface all season long — Albuquerque is simply one of the most culturally rich, action-packed places in the country.
If you’re visiting or moving to the Duke City in spring or summer, prepare to fall in love!
