Last spring frost
Mar 24
Frost Dates for Chaparral, NM
First fall frost
Nov 7
Growing season
225 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Chaparral, NM, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 24 and the first fall frost is about Nov 7, giving roughly a 225-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 7 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 26 | Apr 9 | Mar 23 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 9 | Mar 24 | Mar 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 25 | Mar 8 | Feb 15 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 15 | Feb 21 | Jan 25 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 26 | Apr 21 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 23 |
| 32°F | Apr 9 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 |
| 28°F | Mar 25 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 15 |
| 24°F | Mar 15 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 25 |
| 20°F | Mar 1 | Feb 20 | Feb 11 | Feb 5 | Feb 1 | Jan 27 | Jan 20 | Jan 12 | Jan 1 |
| 16°F | Feb 15 | Feb 5 | Jan 30 | Jan 23 | Jan 17 | Jan 11 | Jan 6 | Dec 30 | Dec 21 |
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 14 | Oct 29 | Nov 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 24 | Nov 7 | Nov 19 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 3 | Nov 17 | Nov 29 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 13 | Nov 27 | Dec 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 14 | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 |
| 32°F | Oct 24 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 |
| 28°F | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 |
| 24°F | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Nov 27 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 |
| 20°F | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 |
| 16°F | Dec 3 | Dec 10 | Dec 17 | Dec 23 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 12 | Jan 22 |
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: Orogrande, Nm, about 16.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 4,221 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 Chaparral, NM?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Chaparral, NM is about Mar 24. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 7.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Chaparral, NM typically arrives about Nov 7. 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 24 on average, or Mar 7 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 225 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 88081 Planting calendar → New Mexico frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026