Last spring frost
May 3
Frost Dates for Rodeo, NM
First fall frost
Oct 25
Growing season
174 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Rodeo, NM, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 3 and the first fall frost is about Oct 25, giving roughly a 174-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 16 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) | May 30 | May 15 | May 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 16 | May 3 | Apr 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 5 | Apr 16 | Mar 30 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 17 | Mar 26 | Mar 3 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 30 | May 24 | May 20 | May 17 | May 15 | May 12 | May 8 | May 4 | May 1 |
| 32°F | May 16 | May 11 | May 8 | May 5 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 16 |
| 28°F | May 5 | Apr 29 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Mar 30 |
| 24°F | Apr 17 | Apr 8 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 3 |
| 20°F | Mar 25 | Mar 14 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 17 | Feb 11 | Feb 3 |
| 16°F | Feb 27 | Feb 19 | Feb 11 | Feb 6 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 22 | Jan 12 | Jan 2 |
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 1 | Oct 14 | Oct 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 11 | Oct 25 | Nov 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 21 | Nov 4 | Nov 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 15 | Nov 30 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 1 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 19 | Oct 21 | Oct 26 |
| 32°F | Oct 11 | Oct 17 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 |
| 28°F | Oct 21 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 |
| 24°F | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 |
| 20°F | Nov 12 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 8 | Dec 16 |
| 16°F | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 19 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 12 |
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: Portal 4 Sw, Az, about 12.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 5,390 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 Rodeo, NM?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Rodeo, NM is about May 3. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 16.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Rodeo, NM typically arrives about Oct 25. 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 3 on average, or Apr 16 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 174 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 88056 Planting calendar → New Mexico frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026