Last spring frost
May 15
Frost Dates for La Madera, NM
First fall frost
Oct 7
Growing season
143 days
Hardiness zone
6b
In an average year around La Madera, NM, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 15 and the first fall frost is about Oct 7, giving roughly a 143-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 30 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 16 | May 31 | May 13 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 4 | May 15 | Apr 30 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 20 | May 2 | Apr 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 8 | Apr 20 | Apr 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 16 | Jun 10 | Jun 6 | Jun 3 | May 31 | May 28 | May 23 | May 19 | May 13 |
| 32°F | Jun 4 | May 29 | May 24 | May 19 | May 15 | May 12 | May 8 | May 4 | Apr 30 |
| 28°F | May 20 | May 14 | May 9 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 |
| 24°F | May 8 | May 2 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 5 |
| 20°F | Apr 28 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 | Mar 15 |
| 16°F | Apr 8 | Apr 2 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 26 |
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 16 | Sep 29 | Oct 10 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 23 | Oct 7 | Oct 18 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 2 | Oct 15 | Oct 30 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 12 | Oct 25 | Nov 8 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 16 | Sep 20 | Sep 24 | Sep 27 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 |
| 32°F | Sep 23 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 |
| 28°F | Oct 2 | Oct 7 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 30 |
| 24°F | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 |
| 20°F | Oct 19 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 |
| 16°F | Oct 26 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 |
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: El Rito, Nm, about 11.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 6,870 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 La Madera, NM?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around La Madera, NM is about May 15. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 30.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around La Madera, NM typically arrives about Oct 7. 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 15 on average, or Apr 30 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 143 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 87539 Planting calendar → New Mexico frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026