Last spring frost
Mar 23
Frost Dates for Las Cruces, NM
First fall frost
Nov 11
Growing season
231 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Las Cruces, NM, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 23 and the first fall frost is about Nov 11, giving roughly a 231-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 3 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 23 | Apr 6 | Mar 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 9 | Mar 23 | Mar 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 25 | Mar 5 | Feb 16 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 10 | Feb 19 | Jan 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 23 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 19 |
| 32°F | Apr 9 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 |
| 28°F | Mar 25 | Mar 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 16 |
| 24°F | Mar 10 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 | Feb 19 | Feb 15 | Feb 10 | Feb 5 | Jan 28 |
| 20°F | Feb 26 | Feb 18 | Feb 13 | Feb 8 | Feb 1 | Jan 26 | Jan 19 | Jan 10 | Dec 30 |
| 16°F | Feb 14 | Feb 7 | Jan 30 | Jan 19 | Jan 11 | Jan 4 | Dec 29 | 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 2 | Nov 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 29 | Nov 11 | Nov 23 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 4 | Nov 19 | Dec 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 13 | Nov 30 | Dec 17 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 |
| 32°F | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 |
| 28°F | Nov 4 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Nov 28 | Dec 4 |
| 24°F | Nov 13 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 17 |
| 20°F | Nov 24 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 23 | Dec 30 | Jan 9 |
| 16°F | Dec 4 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 18 | 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: Santa Teresa Ap, Nm, about 24.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 4,109 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 Las Cruces, NM?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Las Cruces, NM is about Mar 23. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 3.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Las Cruces, 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 23 on average, or Mar 3 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 231 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 88044 Planting calendar → New Mexico frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026