Last spring frost
Apr 4
Frost Dates for Jal, NM
First fall frost
Nov 6
Growing season
217 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Jal, NM, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 4 and the first fall frost is about Nov 6, giving roughly a 217-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 13 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 1 | Apr 17 | Apr 2 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 23 | Apr 4 | Mar 13 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 9 | Mar 17 | Feb 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 24 | Mar 1 | Feb 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 1 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 2 |
| 32°F | Apr 23 | Apr 17 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 | Mar 21 | Mar 13 |
| 28°F | Apr 9 | Apr 2 | Mar 28 | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 |
| 24°F | Mar 24 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 16 | Feb 9 |
| 20°F | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 25 | Feb 18 | Feb 13 | Feb 8 | Feb 4 | Jan 29 | Jan 20 |
| 16°F | Feb 27 | Feb 13 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 26 | Jan 19 | Jan 12 | Jan 5 | Dec 26 |
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 17 | Oct 29 | Nov 10 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 24 | Nov 6 | Nov 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 16 | Dec 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 10 | Nov 27 | Dec 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 |
| 32°F | Oct 24 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 |
| 28°F | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 |
| 24°F | Nov 10 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 |
| 20°F | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 13 | Dec 19 | Dec 25 | Jan 2 |
| 16°F | Nov 30 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 13 | Jan 28 |
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: Ochoa, Nm, about 2.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 3,398 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 Jal, NM?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Jal, NM is about Apr 4. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 13.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Jal, NM typically arrives about Nov 6. 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 4 on average, or Mar 13 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 217 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 88252 Planting calendar → New Mexico frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026