Last spring frost
Apr 2
Frost Dates for Whites City, NM
First fall frost
Nov 11
Growing season
223 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Whites City, NM, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 2 and the first fall frost is about Nov 11, giving roughly a 223-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 9 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 13 | Mar 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 20 | Apr 2 | Mar 9 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 16 | Feb 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 22 | Feb 26 | Jan 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 1 | Apr 25 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 26 |
| 32°F | Apr 20 | Apr 13 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 24 | Mar 18 | Mar 9 |
| 28°F | Apr 6 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 10 | Mar 4 | Feb 26 | Feb 18 |
| 24°F | Mar 22 | Mar 14 | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 14 | Feb 6 | Jan 27 |
| 20°F | Mar 8 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 14 | Feb 7 | Jan 31 | Jan 22 | Jan 13 | Dec 31 |
| 16°F | Feb 28 | Feb 18 | Feb 9 | Feb 1 | Jan 24 | Jan 17 | Jan 8 | Dec 31 | Dec 19 |
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 12 | Nov 1 | Nov 17 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 22 | Nov 11 | Nov 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 4 | Nov 22 | Dec 11 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 13 | Dec 3 | Dec 29 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 12 | Oct 20 | Oct 25 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 17 |
| 32°F | Oct 22 | Oct 30 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 29 |
| 28°F | Nov 4 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 11 |
| 24°F | Nov 13 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 19 | Dec 29 |
| 20°F | Nov 22 | Nov 30 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 18 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 9 | Jan 22 |
| 16°F | Dec 3 | Dec 11 | Dec 18 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 12 | Jan 20 | Feb 4 |
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: Carlsbad Caverns, Nm, about 3.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 4,435 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 Whites City, NM?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Whites City, NM is about Apr 2. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 9.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Whites City, NM typically arrives about Nov 11. 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 2 on average, or Mar 9 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 223 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 88268 Planting calendar → New Mexico frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026