Packing List
November Packing List for Albuquerque — What to Wear & Bring
In November, Albuquerque averages highs of 57°F and lows of 34°F — the Balloon Fiesta crowds have cleared, leaving a calm, cool, and very pleasant city. Cold mornings require a real coat, while mild sunny afternoons allow layers to come off. Only 4 rain days and intense UV even in November complete the picture.
Averages 34–57°F, ~4 days of rain
Clothing
November mornings at 34°F in the high desert require real insulation — a mid-weight coat handles the cold starts without being excessive for the mild 57°F afternoons.
The mid-layer that carries through November's cold-to-mild daily swing — worn alone when the afternoon sun warms the Old Town plaza, layered under the coat in the morning.
Versatile base for adapting to November's 23°F daily temperature swing across the course of a day.
Footwear
November is excellent for Old Town and the Bosque with post-Balloon Fiesta quiet — comfortable flat shoes handle both cobblestones and trails without needing winter boots for the relatively mild conditions.
November's 4 precipitation days can include early-season snow at elevation — a waterproof option handles occasional wet or icy conditions.
Accessories
The high-desert UV doesn't relent in November — clear skies and 5,312-foot elevation keep UV intensity elevated even as temperatures cool.
34°F mornings and cold evenings benefit from light accessories — the high desert wind amplifies the chill beyond what the temperature number suggests.
Local tips for Albuquerque in November
- 1.November is one of Albuquerque's best-kept secrets — the Balloon Fiesta crowds are gone, hotel prices drop significantly, and the weather remains mild and sunny. Old Town is uncrowded and the museums are accessible without lines.
- 2.Albuquerque's Holiday Lights on the Rio Grande (RioGrande Nature Center area) typically begins in late November — the cold evening air (near 34°F by 6pm) requires a warm coat and gloves for a comfortable viewing experience.
- 3.The Bosque cottonwood corridor turns bright gold in late October and early November before the leaves fall — a morning walk along the Rio Grande Bosque in early November catches the tail end of fall color with comfortable temperatures.