Harman US

Frost Dates for Las Palomas, NM

Last spring frost
Mar 30
First fall frost
Nov 5
Growing season
220 days
Hardiness zone
8a

In an average year around Las Palomas, NM, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 30 and the first fall frost is about Nov 5, giving roughly a 220-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 8 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 - Las Palomas, NM
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Apr 30 Apr 15 Mar 30
Freeze (32°F) Apr 19 Mar 30 Mar 8
Hard (28°F) Apr 4 Mar 10 Feb 19
Severe (24°F) Mar 15 Feb 23 Jan 31
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Apr 30 Apr 25 Apr 21 Apr 18 Apr 15 Apr 11 Apr 7 Apr 4 Mar 30
32°F Apr 19 Apr 11 Apr 7 Apr 3 Mar 30 Mar 25 Mar 21 Mar 15 Mar 8
28°F Apr 4 Mar 26 Mar 19 Mar 14 Mar 10 Mar 6 Mar 3 Feb 27 Feb 19
24°F Mar 15 Mar 7 Mar 2 Feb 28 Feb 23 Feb 19 Feb 14 Feb 9 Jan 31
20°F Feb 28 Feb 22 Feb 15 Feb 10 Feb 4 Jan 31 Jan 25 Jan 17 Jan 8
16°F Feb 13 Feb 5 Jan 31 Jan 23 Jan 16 Jan 10 Jan 4 Dec 29 Dec 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 - Las Palomas, NM
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Oct 18 Oct 28 Nov 8
Freeze (32°F) Oct 24 Nov 5 Nov 17
Hard (28°F) Nov 1 Nov 15 Nov 27
Severe (24°F) Nov 9 Nov 25 Dec 10
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Oct 18 Oct 21 Oct 24 Oct 26 Oct 28 Oct 30 Nov 1 Nov 4 Nov 8
32°F Oct 24 Oct 29 Nov 1 Nov 3 Nov 5 Nov 8 Nov 10 Nov 13 Nov 17
28°F Nov 1 Nov 5 Nov 8 Nov 12 Nov 15 Nov 17 Nov 20 Nov 23 Nov 27
24°F Nov 9 Nov 16 Nov 19 Nov 22 Nov 25 Nov 28 Dec 1 Dec 4 Dec 10
20°F Nov 23 Nov 28 Dec 1 Dec 5 Dec 8 Dec 12 Dec 16 Dec 20 Dec 28
16°F Dec 2 Dec 8 Dec 13 Dec 19 Dec 23 Dec 28 Jan 2 Jan 9 Jan 24

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: Truth Or Consequences, Nm, about 8.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 4,296 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 Las Palomas, NM?

On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Las Palomas, NM is about Mar 30. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 8.

When is the first frost in the fall?

The first fall frost around Las Palomas, NM typically arrives about Nov 5. 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 Mar 30 on average, or Mar 8 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 220 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 87942 Planting calendar → New Mexico frost dates →

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