Last frost date in Albuquerque, NM
Expect the last frost in Albuquerque around April 23. Frost after May 6 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 20, which leaves 179 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 8 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 6
- Average first frost
- Oct 20
- Frost-free season
- 179 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 5
No frost in the next 7 nights
Later than usual: the average first frost here is October 20.
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2255°
- FriOct 2352°
- SatOct 2447°
- SunOct 2544°
- MonOct 2642°
- TueOct 2743°
- WedOct 2844°
Planting calendar for Albuquerque
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across New Mexico.
TomatoesApr 30–May 14
PumpkinsMay 7–May 21
SunflowersApr 23–May 14
CucumbersMay 7–May 14
CornApr 30–May 14
Sweet potatoesMay 14–May 28
WatermelonMay 7–May 21
Green beansApr 30–May 21
ZucchiniApr 30–May 14
OkraMay 14–May 28
PeppersMay 7–May 21
BasilApr 30–May 14
Butternut squashApr 30–May 14
CantaloupeMay 7–May 21
EggplantMay 7–May 21
PotatoesMar 26–Apr 9
OnionsMar 12–Apr 2
CarrotsApr 2–May 7
LettuceApr 9–Apr 30
BroccoliMar 26–Apr 9
BeetsMar 26–May 7
PeasMar 12–Mar 26
CabbageMar 26–Apr 9
RadishesMar 19–Apr 30
Brussels sproutsApr 9–Apr 23
SpinachMar 12–Apr 2
CilantroApr 9–Apr 30
KaleMar 26–Apr 9
Collard greensMar 26–Apr 9
TurnipsMar 26–Apr 9
DillApr 23–May 7
CeleryApr 30–May 7
CauliflowerApr 9–Apr 23
LeeksApr 9–Apr 23
Swiss chardApr 9–May 7
ParsleyApr 9–Apr 30
Tulip bulbsOct 6–Nov 10
GarlicSep 29–Nov 3
Daffodil bulbsSep 22–Nov 3
StrawberriesMar 26–Apr 9
AsparagusMar 26–Apr 9Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 7 | Apr 23 | May 6 | Oct 8 | Oct 20 | Nov 1 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 19 | Apr 5 | Apr 21 | Oct 17 | Oct 31 | Nov 13 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Rio Grande Nature Center (USC00297461) sits 2.7 miles from the center of Albuquerque at 4,944 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Albuquerque, NM?
The average last frost date in Albuquerque is April 23, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 6.
When is the first frost in Albuquerque?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 20. One year in ten it arrives before October 8.
How long is the growing season in Albuquerque?
About 179 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Albuquerque?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 30 to May 14. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in New Mexico
- South ValleyApr 18
- Rio RanchoApr 8
- Santa FeMay 14
- FarmingtonMay 2
- AlamogordoMar 9
- RoswellApr 13
- Las CrucesMar 12
- ClovisApr 14
- CarlsbadMar 17
- HobbsMar 28