Frost Dates for Las Cruces, NM
In Las Cruces, NM, the average last spring frost is around Mar 12 and the average first fall frost around Nov 13, for a growing season of about 241 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 2, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the State Univ, NM weather station, 4 miles away, elevation 3,886 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 2 | Oct 30 |
| 20% | Mar 26 | Nov 4 |
| 30% | Mar 20 | Nov 7 |
| 40% | Mar 16 | Nov 10 |
| 50% | Mar 12 | Nov 13 |
| 60% | Mar 8 | Nov 15 |
| 70% | Mar 4 | Nov 18 |
| 80% | Feb 28 | Nov 21 |
| 90% | Feb 23 | Nov 24 |
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 1 | Nov 4 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 12 | Nov 13 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Feb 26 | Nov 24 |
Planting calendar for Las Cruces
Transplant Mar 19 – Apr 2
Transplant Mar 26 – Apr 9
Transplant Mar 26 – Apr 9
Transplant Mar 19 – Apr 2
Sow or transplant Mar 19 – Apr 2
Sow or transplant Mar 19 – Apr 2
Sow or transplant Mar 26 – Apr 9
Sow or transplant Feb 12 – Feb 26
Fall sowing Sep 18 – Oct 16
Fall sowing Sep 18 – Oct 9
Fall sowing Sep 4 – Sep 18
Sow or transplant Feb 12 – Feb 26
Fall sowing Sep 4 – Oct 2
Transplant Feb 26 – Mar 12
Fall sowing Aug 21 – Sep 4
Transplant Feb 19 – Mar 5
Fall sowing Aug 21 – Sep 4
Fall sowing Aug 21 – Sep 4
Fall sowing Oct 2 – Oct 23
Fall sowing Sep 4 – Sep 18
Plant Feb 12 – Feb 26
Based on the average last frost (Mar 12) and first frost (Nov 13). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.