Last spring frost
Jun 1
Frost Dates for Quemado, NM
First fall frost
Sep 29
Growing season
117 days
Hardiness zone
6a
In an average year around Quemado, NM, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jun 1 and the first fall frost is about Sep 29, giving roughly a 117-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 20 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 24 | Jun 12 | Jun 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 14 | Jun 1 | May 20 |
| Hard (28°F) | Jun 4 | May 21 | May 7 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 26 | May 9 | Apr 25 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 24 | Jun 20 | Jun 17 | Jun 14 | Jun 12 | Jun 10 | Jun 7 | Jun 5 | Jun 1 |
| 32°F | Jun 14 | Jun 8 | Jun 5 | Jun 3 | Jun 1 | May 31 | May 28 | May 25 | May 20 |
| 28°F | Jun 4 | May 31 | May 28 | May 24 | May 21 | May 18 | May 15 | May 11 | May 7 |
| 24°F | May 26 | May 20 | May 16 | May 12 | May 9 | May 6 | May 3 | May 1 | Apr 25 |
| 20°F | May 15 | May 8 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 13 | Apr 7 |
| 16°F | May 2 | Apr 25 | Apr 19 | Apr 12 | Apr 7 | Apr 2 | Mar 28 | Mar 20 | Mar 11 |
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 21 | Oct 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 15 | Sep 29 | Oct 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 24 | Oct 6 | Oct 20 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 1 | Oct 16 | Nov 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 6 | Sep 12 | Sep 15 | Sep 17 | Sep 21 | Sep 24 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 |
| 32°F | Sep 15 | Sep 20 | Sep 24 | Sep 27 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 5 | Oct 10 |
| 28°F | Sep 24 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 |
| 24°F | Oct 1 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Nov 1 |
| 20°F | Oct 6 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 |
| 16°F | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 21 |
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: Quemado, Nm, about 12.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 6,878 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 Quemado, NM?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Quemado, NM is about Jun 1. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 20.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Quemado, NM typically arrives about Sep 29. 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 1 on average, or May 20 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 117 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 87829 Planting calendar → New Mexico frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026