In New Mexico, the last spring frost usually comes between April 4 and June 3, and the first fall frost between September 22 and November 2, depending on where you live. Most of New Mexico is in USDA hardiness zones 5b to 8b.
Find the frost dates for your ZIP code
Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest weather station. Zones derived from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map data (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Frost dates for New Mexico cities
Dates come from the NOAA weather station closest to each city. The last spring frost and first fall frost are the typical dates, with a 30% chance of frost after (or before) them. The safer planting date has only a 10% chance of a later spring frost: use it for tender plants like tomatoes, peppers and basil.
| City | Zone | Last frost | Safer date | First frost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | 7b | April 12 | April 23 | Oct. 29 |
| Las Cruces | 8b | March 20 | April 2 | Nov. 7 |
| Santa Fe | 6b | May 7 | May 14 | Oct. 12 |
| Roswell | 7b | April 4 | April 15 | Nov. 2 |
| Farmington | 7a | May 8 | May 18 | Oct. 7 |
| Clovis | 7b | April 19 | April 26 | Oct. 23 |
| Hobbs | 8a | April 4 | April 13 | Nov. 4 |
| Alamogordo | 8a | March 19 | March 31 | Nov. 12 |
| Carlsbad | 8a | April 13 | April 25 | Oct. 26 |
| Gallup | 6a | June 5 | June 14 | Sep. 24 |
Frost dates vary a lot across New Mexico. Among the cities above, Alamogordo has the earliest last frost (around March 19) and Gallup the latest (around June 5), about 11 weeks apart. Elevation, nearby water and local terrain all make a difference, so use the dates for the place closest to you, or look up your ZIP code.
Growing zones in New Mexico
Most of New Mexico is in USDA hardiness zones 5b to 8b. A typical frost-free growing season lasts about 174 days, longer in the warmest areas and shorter in the coldest.
Find planting dates for the main zones in New Mexico:
- Zone 5 (about 5% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 6 (about 34% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 7 (about 43% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 8 (about 18% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
See all crops in our planting guides, or build a planting calendar for your ZIP code.
How to use frost dates
- Cool-season crops such as peas, lettuce, spinach and onions can go in several weeks before your last spring frost.
- Warm-season crops such as tomatoes, peppers, squash and beans wait until after it, when the soil has warmed.
- Fall crops are timed back from your first fall frost, and garlic and tulips are planted around it.
- Frost dates are averages. Check the forecast before setting out tender plants.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in New Mexico?
It depends on where you live. Across most of New Mexico, the last spring frost comes between April 4 and June 3. In Albuquerque, it is around April 12.
When is the first frost in New Mexico?
Across most of New Mexico, the first fall frost comes between September 22 and November 2. In Albuquerque, it is around October 29.
What planting zone is New Mexico?
Most of New Mexico is in USDA hardiness zones 5b to 8b. Enter your ZIP code above to find your exact zone.
When can I plant tomatoes in New Mexico?
Plant tomatoes outside after your last frost, once nights stay above 50 °F. In Albuquerque, the safer date, with only a 10% chance of a later frost, is around April 23. See when to plant tomatoes in zone 7.
Sources. Frost dates come from the nearest NOAA weather station to each city or ZIP code. Zones come from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ZIP code data. Our zone lookup is not the official USDA map.