Harman US

Frost Dates for Becenti, NM

Last spring frost
May 28
First fall frost
Sep 27
Growing season
120 days
Hardiness zone
6b

In an average year around Becenti, NM, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 28 and the first fall frost is about Sep 27, giving roughly a 120-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 11 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.

Last spring frost - Becenti, NM
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Jun 24 Jun 7 May 25
Freeze (32°F) Jun 14 May 28 May 11
Hard (28°F) Jun 2 May 15 Apr 29
Severe (24°F) May 18 May 3 Apr 19
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Jun 24 Jun 19 Jun 14 Jun 11 Jun 7 Jun 4 Jun 1 May 29 May 25
32°F Jun 14 Jun 8 Jun 3 May 31 May 28 May 25 May 21 May 17 May 11
28°F Jun 2 May 26 May 22 May 18 May 15 May 12 May 8 May 4 Apr 29
24°F May 18 May 14 May 10 May 6 May 3 Apr 30 Apr 27 Apr 23 Apr 19
20°F May 8 May 2 Apr 28 Apr 24 Apr 21 Apr 17 Apr 13 Apr 10 Apr 5
16°F Apr 29 Apr 20 Apr 14 Apr 10 Apr 6 Apr 3 Mar 30 Mar 25 Mar 17

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.

First fall frost - Becenti, NM
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Sep 3 Sep 19 Sep 30
Freeze (32°F) Sep 13 Sep 27 Oct 8
Hard (28°F) Sep 21 Oct 3 Oct 18
Severe (24°F) Sep 29 Oct 12 Oct 28
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Sep 3 Sep 10 Sep 13 Sep 16 Sep 19 Sep 22 Sep 24 Sep 26 Sep 30
32°F Sep 13 Sep 18 Sep 22 Sep 25 Sep 27 Sep 30 Oct 1 Oct 4 Oct 8
28°F Sep 21 Sep 26 Sep 29 Oct 1 Oct 3 Oct 6 Oct 9 Oct 12 Oct 18
24°F Sep 29 Oct 3 Oct 6 Oct 9 Oct 12 Oct 15 Oct 19 Oct 22 Oct 28
20°F Oct 7 Oct 12 Oct 16 Oct 19 Oct 22 Oct 25 Oct 28 Nov 1 Nov 4
16°F Oct 15 Oct 22 Oct 25 Oct 29 Nov 1 Nov 2 Nov 5 Nov 9 Nov 15

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

These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Chaco Canyon Natl Mon, Nm, about 23.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 6,174 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.

@endif
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 Becenti, NM?

On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Becenti, NM is about May 28. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 11.

When is the first frost in the fall?

The first fall frost around Becenti, NM typically arrives about Sep 27. 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 28 on average, or May 11 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 120 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 87313 Planting calendar → New Mexico frost dates →

Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026