Last spring frost
Apr 28
Frost Dates for Lake Sumner, NM
First fall frost
Oct 16
Growing season
171 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Lake Sumner, NM, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 28 and the first fall frost is about Oct 16, giving roughly a 171-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 14 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 18 | May 5 | Apr 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 9 | Apr 28 | Apr 14 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 3 | Apr 18 | Apr 2 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 20 | Apr 5 | Mar 15 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 18 | May 13 | May 11 | May 8 | May 5 | May 3 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 |
| 32°F | May 9 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 14 |
| 28°F | May 3 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 2 |
| 24°F | Apr 20 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 23 | Mar 15 |
| 20°F | Apr 10 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 |
| 16°F | Mar 31 | Mar 23 | Mar 15 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 10 |
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 27 | Oct 8 | Oct 20 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 3 | Oct 16 | Oct 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 12 | Oct 26 | Nov 8 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 19 | Nov 4 | Nov 20 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 27 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 |
| 32°F | Oct 3 | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 |
| 28°F | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 |
| 24°F | Oct 19 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 20 |
| 20°F | Oct 30 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 |
| 16°F | Nov 5 | Nov 12 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 |
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: Ramon 8 Sw, Nm, about 12.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 5,327 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 Sumner, NM?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Lake Sumner, NM is about Apr 28. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 14.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Lake Sumner, NM typically arrives about Oct 16. 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 28 on average, or Apr 14 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 171 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 88136 Planting calendar → New Mexico frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026