Last spring frost
Mar 18
Frost Dates for Columbus, NM
First fall frost
Nov 11
Growing season
237 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Columbus, NM, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 18 and the first fall frost is about Nov 11, giving roughly a 237-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 28 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 21 | Apr 4 | Mar 17 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 18 | Feb 28 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 20 | Feb 28 | Feb 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 3 | Feb 3 | Jan 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 21 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 17 |
| 32°F | Apr 6 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 |
| 28°F | Mar 20 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 18 | Feb 12 | Feb 4 |
| 24°F | Mar 3 | Feb 24 | Feb 16 | Feb 9 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 12 |
| 20°F | Feb 15 | Feb 3 | Jan 29 | Jan 23 | Jan 17 | Jan 11 | Jan 5 | Dec 29 | Dec 20 |
| 16°F | Feb 1 | Jan 22 | Jan 15 | Jan 9 | Jan 5 | Dec 31 | Dec 27 | Dec 20 | 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 3 | Nov 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 29 | Nov 11 | Nov 24 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 5 | Nov 21 | Dec 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 18 | Dec 2 | Dec 20 |
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 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 |
| 32°F | Oct 29 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 |
| 28°F | Nov 5 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 |
| 24°F | Nov 18 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Nov 30 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 |
| 20°F | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 16 | Dec 20 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 12 |
| 16°F | Dec 7 | Dec 14 | Dec 19 | Dec 25 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 14 | Jan 25 |
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: Columbus, Nm, about 3.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 4,065 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 Columbus, NM?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Columbus, NM is about Mar 18. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 28.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Columbus, NM typically arrives about Nov 11. 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 18 on average, or Feb 28 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 237 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 88029 Planting calendar → New Mexico frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026