Frost Dates for Cañon, NM
In an average year around Cañon, NM, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 9 and the first fall frost is about Oct 11, giving roughly a 153-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 26 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Jun 3 | May 20 | May 8 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 23 | May 9 | Apr 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 12 | Apr 26 | Apr 12 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 27 | Apr 10 | Mar 22 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 3 | May 29 | May 26 | May 23 | May 20 | May 18 | May 15 | May 11 | May 8 |
| 32°F | May 23 | May 18 | May 15 | May 11 | May 9 | May 5 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 |
| 28°F | May 12 | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 |
| 24°F | Apr 27 | Apr 21 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 22 |
| 20°F | Apr 11 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 |
| 16°F | Mar 23 | Mar 15 | Mar 9 | Mar 6 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 | Feb 10 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Sep 18 | Oct 2 | Oct 13 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 28 | Oct 11 | Oct 22 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 7 | Oct 21 | Nov 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 19 | Nov 1 | Nov 14 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 18 | Sep 24 | Sep 27 | Sep 30 | Oct 2 | Oct 4 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 13 |
| 32°F | Sep 28 | Oct 2 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 |
| 28°F | Oct 7 | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 23 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 |
| 24°F | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 |
| 20°F | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 |
| 16°F | Nov 4 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Nov 27 | Nov 30 | Dec 5 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Jemez Springs, Nm, about 8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 6,262 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Cañon, NM?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Cañon, NM is about May 9. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 26.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Cañon, NM typically arrives about Oct 11. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around May 9 on average, or Apr 26 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 153 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 87024 Planting calendar → New Mexico frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026