Last spring frost
Jun 9
Frost Dates for Dulce, NM
First fall frost
Sep 22
Growing season
103 days
Hardiness zone
5b
In an average year around Dulce, NM, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jun 9 and the first fall frost is about Sep 22, giving roughly a 103-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 25 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) | Jul 9 | Jun 24 | Jun 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 27 | Jun 9 | May 25 |
| Hard (28°F) | Jun 10 | May 23 | May 6 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 21 | May 4 | Apr 21 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jul 9 | Jul 4 | Jun 30 | Jun 27 | Jun 24 | Jun 21 | Jun 18 | Jun 14 | Jun 9 |
| 32°F | Jun 27 | Jun 21 | Jun 16 | Jun 13 | Jun 9 | Jun 6 | Jun 3 | May 30 | May 25 |
| 28°F | Jun 10 | Jun 4 | May 31 | May 27 | May 23 | May 19 | May 16 | May 11 | May 6 |
| 24°F | May 21 | May 15 | May 10 | May 7 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 |
| 20°F | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 2 |
| 16°F | Apr 22 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 24 | Mar 18 | Mar 12 |
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) | Aug 28 | Sep 12 | Sep 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 10 | Sep 22 | Oct 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 20 | Sep 30 | Oct 12 |
| Severe (24°F) | Sep 29 | Oct 9 | Oct 23 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Aug 28 | Sep 2 | Sep 6 | Sep 10 | Sep 12 | Sep 14 | Sep 17 | Sep 20 | Sep 24 |
| 32°F | Sep 10 | Sep 14 | Sep 17 | Sep 20 | Sep 22 | Sep 24 | Sep 26 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 |
| 28°F | Sep 20 | Sep 23 | Sep 26 | Sep 28 | Sep 30 | Oct 2 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 12 |
| 24°F | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 18 | Oct 23 |
| 20°F | Oct 5 | Oct 10 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 |
| 16°F | Oct 15 | Oct 20 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | 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: Dulce, Nm, about 12.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 6,793 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 Dulce, NM?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Dulce, NM is about Jun 9. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 25.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Dulce, NM typically arrives about Sep 22. 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 Jun 9 on average, or May 25 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 103 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 87528 Planting calendar → New Mexico frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026