Last spring frost
Apr 16
Frost Dates for Rio Rancho, NM
First fall frost
Oct 23
Growing season
191 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Rio Rancho, NM, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 16 and the first fall frost is about Oct 23, giving roughly a 191-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 2 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 12 | Apr 29 | Apr 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 2 | Apr 16 | Apr 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 15 | Mar 30 | Mar 12 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 27 | Mar 10 | Feb 25 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 12 | May 7 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 |
| 32°F | May 2 | Apr 27 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 |
| 28°F | Apr 15 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 25 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 12 |
| 24°F | Mar 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 |
| 20°F | Mar 14 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 22 | Feb 18 | Feb 13 | Feb 7 |
| 16°F | Feb 28 | Feb 21 | Feb 16 | Feb 11 | Feb 7 | Feb 3 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 15 |
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 4 | Oct 16 | Oct 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 12 | Oct 23 | Nov 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 20 | Nov 2 | Nov 15 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 30 | Nov 13 | Nov 24 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 4 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 18 | Oct 20 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 |
| 32°F | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 21 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 |
| 28°F | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 |
| 24°F | Oct 30 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 15 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 |
| 20°F | Nov 8 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 25 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 9 |
| 16°F | Nov 19 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 9 | Dec 14 | Dec 19 | Dec 27 |
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: Rio Rancho #1, Nm, about 6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 5,230 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 Rio Rancho, NM?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Rio Rancho, NM is about Apr 16. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 2.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Rio Rancho, NM typically arrives about Oct 23. 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 16 on average, or Apr 2 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 191 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 87144 Planting calendar → New Mexico frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026