Last spring frost
Mar 12
Frost Dates for White Sands, NM
First fall frost
Nov 13
Growing season
241 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around White Sands, NM, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 12 and the first fall frost is about Nov 13, giving roughly a 241-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 23 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) | Apr 19 | Apr 1 | Mar 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 2 | Mar 12 | Feb 23 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 15 | Feb 26 | Feb 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 1 | Feb 5 | Jan 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 19 | Apr 13 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 12 |
| 32°F | Apr 2 | Mar 26 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 |
| 28°F | Mar 15 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 17 | Feb 12 | Feb 4 |
| 24°F | Mar 1 | Feb 20 | Feb 14 | Feb 9 | Feb 5 | Feb 1 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 11 |
| 20°F | Feb 13 | Feb 4 | Jan 28 | Jan 18 | Jan 12 | Jan 6 | Dec 31 | Dec 23 | Dec 10 |
| 16°F | Feb 6 | Jan 27 | Jan 18 | Jan 10 | Jan 6 | Jan 2 | Dec 28 | Dec 21 | Dec 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) | Oct 21 | Nov 4 | Nov 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 30 | Nov 13 | Nov 24 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 9 | Nov 24 | Dec 8 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 21 | Dec 6 | Dec 29 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 21 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 |
| 32°F | Oct 30 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 |
| 28°F | Nov 9 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 22 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 |
| 24°F | Nov 21 | Nov 27 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 14 | Dec 19 | Dec 29 |
| 20°F | Nov 30 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 | Dec 22 | Dec 27 | Jan 2 | Jan 12 | Jan 23 |
| 16°F | Dec 7 | Dec 15 | Dec 21 | Dec 28 | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 11 | Jan 22 | Feb 2 |
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: State Univ, Nm, about 19 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 3,886 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 White Sands, NM?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around White Sands, NM is about Mar 12. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 23.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around White Sands, NM typically arrives about Nov 13. 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 12 on average, or Feb 23 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 241 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 88002 Planting calendar → New Mexico frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026