Last spring frost
Apr 6
Frost Dates for Malaga, NM
First fall frost
Nov 2
Growing season
210 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Malaga, NM, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 6 and the first fall frost is about Nov 2, giving roughly a 210-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 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 4 | Apr 19 | Apr 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 26 | Apr 6 | Mar 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 14 | Mar 21 | Feb 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 30 | Mar 6 | Feb 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 1 |
| 32°F | Apr 26 | Apr 21 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 30 | Mar 24 | Mar 16 |
| 28°F | Apr 14 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 |
| 24°F | Mar 30 | Mar 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 20 | Feb 13 |
| 20°F | Mar 17 | Mar 9 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 24 |
| 16°F | Mar 7 | Feb 24 | Feb 15 | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 27 | Jan 20 | Jan 9 | Dec 28 |
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 10 | Oct 25 | Nov 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 20 | Nov 2 | Nov 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 29 | Nov 11 | Nov 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 5 | Nov 22 | Dec 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 10 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 |
| 32°F | Oct 20 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 |
| 28°F | Oct 29 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 |
| 24°F | Nov 5 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 9 |
| 20°F | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 8 | Dec 12 | Dec 16 | Dec 24 |
| 16°F | Nov 25 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 17 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 13 |
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: Waste Isolt'n Pilot Plt, Nm, about 13.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 3,411 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 Malaga, NM?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Malaga, NM is about Apr 6. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 16.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Malaga, NM typically arrives about Nov 2. 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 6 on average, or Mar 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 210 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 88256 Planting calendar → New Mexico frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026