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I agree with Steve-o that Abq can get cold (maybe not frigid, but cold). The lows sometimes dip to the low teens in January and February. However, lows generally hover around the freezing to 40 range during the winter. ABQ is not the same type of desert like Phx and Las Vegas. Albuquerque is basically the same elevation as Denver (a mile high) so it does get cold. However, it doesn't get as cold on a long-term basis as places elsewhere in the United States. Spring is amazing here (minus the wind) and Fall is probably the best time (to me). However, to get back on topic, summers here aren't bad. While not unheard of to top out at 100 here, the norm is low to mid 90s. When people think Southwest summers, they typically stereotype it as PHX or Las Vegas hot when it's 115 or so. The same can be said when thinking Souteast Humid Summers. Even this weekend, the high is only 'suppose' to be mid 80s. But, as has been stated on here before, to each his/her own...
One thing that's clear is that the kind of lifestyle that Americans who live in the Southeast or the Southwest lead is not really well suited to those hot climates. For one, they build ridiculous Northern European style wooden homes that are eaten by termites. Nobody elsewhere in the world at those latitudes builds permanent dwellings out of those materials.
What you'll also find is that to escape the heat, people from India to Southern Europe tend to come into work early, close shop in the afternoon to sleep/rest, and then open up again in the evening late into the night. It's quite effective. The usual 8-5 Western work day doesn't make as much sense in these hot climates, when you expose yourself to the brunt of the heat.
But that is what Air Conditioning is for- in those areas (and in most areas of the US, for that matter) all public places, office buildings, and homes are air conditioned, so it doesn't really matter if you are at home or at work during the hottest part of the day. Now if someone works outdoors, well, that is a different story.
southeast for sure for me, I hate humidity. At least in the southwest I don't get sticky and soaked clothes walking through the parking lot, it evaporates. It is only May here and already 90+ everyday and 90% humidity. Disgusting. I can't even go outside for 5 minutes w/o breaking into sweat. Glad I am getting out and not going to be around for the "summer". My fam lives here but have made it a point not to come here during the summer...haven't experienced one in the south since 2003 or when I had to be in Orlando for a few days on layover from Europe in august of 2005 (AHHHH that was horrible flying from Iceland into MCO, getting off the plane felt nausea the weather was so bad.)
It depends what you prefer: a sauna or a steam room
Neither of these places are fun for more than 10-20 min. So, I'd say summers are equally uncomfortable in Southwest and Southeast. Some people may prefer dry heat vs. moist heat and for some dry heat is miserable. For me personally dry heat is harder to tolerate, my eyes sting, my skin cracks and my hair gets brittle with static. Long term effect - faster aging process. So, if I had to choose a place with hot summers to leave long term I'd rather choose humidity, keeps you younger It's like having the steam room outside of your door for free without having to pay the overpriced membership to some uppity gym
Ok, jokes aside, overall temperatures are lower in the Southeast and nights seem to be more comfortable. Temps in summer in DC would be in the 70s during the night although the day time temps would be in the 90s with all the notorious humidity. So, taking a stroll early in the morning or after the sun goes down isn't as bad, especially after the rain. On the other hand, in Las Vegas night temperatures are often in the high 90s or even 100 even with the sun down, which makes it uncomfortable going outside any time of the day, the 'blowdryer' effect of the air never goes away even at night. So, in addition to having to run AC 24-7 I also had to run a humidifier in Las Vegas, vs. in DC I only needed to use AC. Dry heat long term can be hell for those with dry skin/eyes.
I believe they're called "SWAMP COOLERS". They use them in the southwest.
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I can honestly tell a big difference between southwest and southeast heat. The dry heat out west doesn't bother me nearly as much as the very humid, hot temps of the southeast.
Speaking from a person who has actually been to both regions, I can say that the South is more tolerable. Would you rather stick your head into an oven or a sauna?
Speaking from a person who has actually been to both regions, I can say that the South is more tolerable. Would you rather stick your head into an oven or a sauna?
The dry heat dries out your contact lenses, and causes your lips to crack/become easily chapped.
Overall, the climate of the southeast is much better. The atmosphere is much better, too. Green over brown any day.
The dry heat dries out your contact lenses, and causes your lips to crack/become easily chapped.
Overall, the climate of the southeast is much better. The atmosphere is much better, too. Green over brown any day.
Dry heat is alot more tolerable though. The SE is just downright nasty. You can't wear a suit or anything without being drenched in sweat.
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It's like having the steam room outside of your door for free without having to pay the overpriced membership to some uppity gym 
