Albuquerque is situated in the middle of the Rio Grande valley. To the east of the city are the Sandia and Manzano mountains; to the west are five volcanic cones that mark the beginning of high plateau country. The climate in Albuquerque, termed "arid-continental," is sunny and dry with very low humidity. Half of the annual precipitation falls between July and September in heavy afternoon thundershowers. During the winter one can ski on Sandia Peak and play a round of golf on the same day.
Area: 180.64 square miles (2000)
Elevation: 5,311 feet above sea level
Average Temperatures: January, 36.0° F; August, 76.5° F; annual average, 56.0° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 8.12 inches