Frost Dates for Santa Fe, NM
In Santa Fe, NM, the average last spring frost is around May 14 and the average first fall frost around Oct 6, for a growing season of about 144 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 28, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Santa Fe 2, NM weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 6,756 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% | May 28 | Sep 25 |
| 20% | May 23 | Sep 29 |
| 30% | May 20 | Oct 1 |
| 40% | May 17 | Oct 4 |
| 50% | May 14 | Oct 6 |
| 60% | May 11 | Oct 9 |
| 70% | May 7 | Oct 11 |
| 80% | May 4 | Oct 15 |
| 90% | Apr 30 | Oct 18 |
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) | May 26 | Sep 29 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | May 14 | Oct 6 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | May 3 | Oct 16 |
Planting calendar for Santa Fe
Transplant May 21 – Jun 4
Transplant May 28 – Jun 11
Transplant May 28 – Jun 11
Transplant May 21 – Jun 4
Sow or transplant May 21 – Jun 4
Sow or transplant May 21 – Jun 4
Sow or transplant May 28 – Jun 11
Sow or transplant Apr 16 – Apr 30
Fall sowing Aug 11 – Sep 8
Fall sowing Aug 11 – Sep 1
Fall sowing Jul 28 – Aug 11
Sow or transplant Apr 16 – Apr 30
Fall sowing Jul 28 – Aug 25
Transplant Apr 30 – May 14
Fall sowing Jul 14 – Jul 28
Transplant Apr 23 – May 7
Fall sowing Jul 14 – Jul 28
Fall sowing Jul 14 – Jul 28
Fall sowing Aug 25 – Sep 15
Fall sowing Jul 28 – Aug 11
Plant Apr 16 – Apr 30
Based on the average last frost (May 14) and first frost (Oct 6). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.