Last spring frost
May 29
Frost Dates for Thoreau, NM
First fall frost
Sep 26
Growing season
118 days
Hardiness zone
6a
In an average year around Thoreau, NM, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 29 and the first fall frost is about Sep 26, giving roughly a 118-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.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Jun 21 | Jun 6 | May 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 12 | May 29 | May 11 |
| Hard (28°F) | Jun 2 | May 15 | Apr 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 20 | May 2 | Apr 14 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 21 | Jun 16 | Jun 12 | Jun 8 | Jun 6 | Jun 3 | Jun 1 | May 30 | May 25 |
| 32°F | Jun 12 | Jun 6 | Jun 3 | May 31 | May 29 | May 24 | May 21 | May 17 | May 11 |
| 28°F | Jun 2 | May 26 | May 22 | May 19 | May 15 | May 11 | May 7 | May 3 | Apr 28 |
| 24°F | May 20 | May 14 | May 9 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 14 |
| 20°F | May 9 | May 2 | Apr 27 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 1 |
| 16°F | Apr 29 | Apr 17 | Apr 10 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 13 |
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 6 | Sep 17 | Sep 29 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 13 | Sep 26 | Oct 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 21 | Oct 3 | Oct 15 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 1 | Oct 12 | Oct 25 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 6 | Sep 10 | Sep 13 | Sep 15 | Sep 17 | Sep 19 | Sep 22 | Sep 25 | Sep 29 |
| 32°F | Sep 13 | Sep 16 | Sep 20 | Sep 23 | Sep 26 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 |
| 28°F | Sep 21 | Sep 26 | Sep 30 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 15 |
| 24°F | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 25 |
| 20°F | Oct 7 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 4 |
| 16°F | Oct 15 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 16 |
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: Thoreau 12 Se, Nm, about 11.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 7,425 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 Thoreau, NM?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Thoreau, NM is about May 29. 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 Thoreau, NM typically arrives about Sep 26. 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 29 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 118 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 87323 Planting calendar → New Mexico frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026