Last spring frost
Apr 18
Frost Dates for Fort Sumner, NM
First fall frost
Oct 26
Growing season
190 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Fort Sumner, NM, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 18 and the first fall frost is about Oct 26, giving roughly a 190-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 1 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 9 | Apr 27 | Apr 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 1 | Apr 18 | Apr 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 23 | Apr 3 | Mar 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 15 | Feb 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 9 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 14 |
| 32°F | May 1 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 7 | Apr 1 |
| 28°F | Apr 23 | Apr 17 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 20 | Mar 13 |
| 24°F | Apr 6 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 |
| 20°F | Mar 19 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 21 | Feb 16 | Feb 9 |
| 16°F | Mar 10 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 19 | Feb 15 | Feb 12 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 20 |
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 6 | Oct 19 | Oct 30 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 14 | Oct 26 | Nov 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 22 | Nov 3 | Nov 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 28 | Nov 9 | Nov 21 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 19 | Oct 21 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 |
| 32°F | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 |
| 28°F | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 |
| 24°F | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 7 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 |
| 20°F | Nov 4 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 |
| 16°F | Nov 12 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 20 |
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: Ft Sumner 5 S, Nm, about 7.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 4,050 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 Fort Sumner, NM?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Fort Sumner, NM is about Apr 18. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 1.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Fort Sumner, NM typically arrives about Oct 26. 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 Apr 18 on average, or Apr 1 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 190 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 88119 Planting calendar → New Mexico frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026