Frost Dates for Carlsbad, NM
In Carlsbad, NM, the average last spring frost is around Mar 17 and the average first fall frost around Nov 12, for a growing season of about 238 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 5, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Carlsbad, NM weather station, 4 miles away, elevation 3,120 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.
Frost probability by date
Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Apr 5 | Oct 29 |
| 20% | Apr 1 | Nov 3 |
| 30% | Mar 27 | Nov 6 |
| 40% | Mar 22 | Nov 9 |
| 50% | Mar 17 | Nov 12 |
| 60% | Mar 13 | Nov 14 |
| 70% | Mar 10 | Nov 17 |
| 80% | Mar 6 | Nov 21 |
| 90% | Feb 28 | Nov 26 |
Light frost vs. hard freeze
Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Apr 3 | Nov 3 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 17 | Nov 12 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Mar 2 | Nov 23 |
Planting calendar for Carlsbad
Transplant Mar 24 – Apr 7
Transplant Mar 31 – Apr 14
Transplant Mar 31 – Apr 14
Transplant Mar 24 – Apr 7
Sow or transplant Mar 24 – Apr 7
Sow or transplant Mar 24 – Apr 7
Sow or transplant Mar 31 – Apr 14
Sow or transplant Feb 17 – Mar 3
Fall sowing Sep 17 – Oct 15
Fall sowing Sep 17 – Oct 8
Fall sowing Sep 3 – Sep 17
Sow or transplant Feb 17 – Mar 3
Fall sowing Sep 3 – Oct 1
Transplant Mar 3 – Mar 17
Fall sowing Aug 20 – Sep 3
Transplant Feb 24 – Mar 10
Fall sowing Aug 20 – Sep 3
Fall sowing Aug 20 – Sep 3
Fall sowing Oct 1 – Oct 22
Fall sowing Sep 3 – Sep 17
Plant Feb 17 – Mar 3
Based on the average last frost (Mar 17) and first frost (Nov 12). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.