Last spring frost
Apr 6
Frost Dates for Kirtland AFB, NM
First fall frost
Nov 3
Growing season
208 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Kirtland AFB, NM, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 6 and the first fall frost is about Nov 3, giving roughly a 208-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 17 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) | May 4 | Apr 19 | Apr 5 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 23 | Apr 6 | Mar 17 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 7 | Mar 17 | Mar 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 19 | Mar 1 | Feb 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 5 |
| 32°F | Apr 23 | Apr 17 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 25 | Mar 17 |
| 28°F | Apr 7 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 |
| 24°F | Mar 19 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 21 | Feb 16 | Feb 9 |
| 20°F | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 21 | Feb 16 | Feb 11 | Feb 6 | Feb 2 | Jan 27 | Jan 15 |
| 16°F | Feb 17 | Feb 7 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 23 | Jan 15 | Jan 6 | Dec 30 | Dec 19 |
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) | Oct 13 | Oct 25 | Nov 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 21 | Nov 3 | Nov 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 15 | Nov 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 10 | Nov 24 | Dec 8 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 13 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 6 |
| 32°F | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 |
| 28°F | Oct 31 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 |
| 24°F | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 26 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 |
| 20°F | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 7 | Dec 11 | Dec 15 | Dec 19 | Dec 25 |
| 16°F | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 25 | Dec 29 | Jan 4 | Jan 22 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Albuquerque Intl Ap, Nm, about 6.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 5,310 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
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 Kirtland AFB, NM?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Kirtland AFB, NM is about Apr 6. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 17.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Kirtland AFB, NM typically arrives about Nov 3. 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 Apr 6 on average, or Mar 17 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 208 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 87117 Planting calendar → New Mexico frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026