Last spring frost
May 26
Frost Dates for Lake Roberts Heights, NM
First fall frost
Oct 5
Growing season
129 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Lake Roberts Heights, NM, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 26 and the first fall frost is about Oct 5, giving roughly a 129-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 12 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 21 | Jun 8 | May 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 8 | May 26 | May 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 22 | May 8 | Apr 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 7 | Apr 23 | Apr 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 21 | Jun 17 | Jun 13 | Jun 10 | Jun 8 | Jun 6 | Jun 4 | Jun 1 | May 28 |
| 32°F | Jun 8 | Jun 5 | Jun 2 | May 30 | May 26 | May 23 | May 20 | May 17 | May 12 |
| 28°F | May 22 | May 17 | May 14 | May 11 | May 8 | May 5 | May 3 | May 1 | Apr 26 |
| 24°F | May 7 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 5 |
| 20°F | Apr 24 | Apr 17 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 20 | Mar 12 |
| 16°F | Apr 7 | Mar 30 | Mar 20 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 15 |
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 14 | Sep 27 | Oct 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 23 | Oct 5 | Oct 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 2 | Oct 14 | Oct 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 10 | Oct 25 | Nov 8 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 14 | Sep 18 | Sep 21 | Sep 24 | Sep 27 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 |
| 32°F | Sep 23 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 5 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 16 |
| 28°F | Oct 2 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 28 |
| 24°F | Oct 10 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 8 |
| 20°F | Oct 21 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 |
| 16°F | Oct 31 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 |
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: Gila Hot Springs, Nm, about 13.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 5,636 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 Lake Roberts Heights, NM?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Lake Roberts Heights, NM is about May 26. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 12.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Lake Roberts Heights, NM typically arrives about Oct 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 May 26 on average, or May 12 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 129 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 88049 Planting calendar → New Mexico frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026