Last frost date in Carlsbad, NM
In Carlsbad, the last spring frost comes around March 17 in an average year. Wait until April 5 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 12, which leaves 238 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 29 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 5
- Average first frost
- Nov 12
- Frost-free season
- 238 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Mar 2
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2259°
- FriOct 2361°
- SatOct 2458°
- SunOct 2556°
- MonOct 2654°
- TueOct 2752°
- WedOct 2853°
Planting calendar for Carlsbad
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across New Mexico.
TomatoesMar 24–Apr 7
PumpkinsMar 31–Apr 14
SunflowersMar 17–Apr 7
CucumbersMar 31–Apr 7
CornMar 24–Apr 7
Sweet potatoesApr 7–Apr 21
WatermelonMar 31–Apr 14
Green beansMar 24–Apr 14
ZucchiniMar 24–Apr 7
OkraApr 7–Apr 21
PeppersMar 31–Apr 14
BasilMar 24–Apr 7
Butternut squashMar 24–Apr 7
CantaloupeMar 31–Apr 14
EggplantMar 31–Apr 14
PotatoesFeb 17–Mar 3
OnionsFeb 3–Feb 24
CarrotsFeb 24–Mar 31
LettuceMar 3–Mar 24
BroccoliFeb 17–Mar 3
BeetsFeb 17–Mar 31
PeasFeb 3–Feb 17
CabbageFeb 17–Mar 3
RadishesFeb 10–Mar 24
Brussels sproutsMar 3–Mar 17
SpinachFeb 3–Feb 24
CilantroMar 3–Mar 24
KaleFeb 17–Mar 3
Collard greensFeb 17–Mar 3
TurnipsFeb 17–Mar 3
DillMar 17–Mar 31
CeleryMar 24–Mar 31
CauliflowerMar 3–Mar 17
LeeksMar 3–Mar 17
Swiss chardMar 3–Mar 31
ParsleyMar 3–Mar 24
Tulip bulbsOct 29–Dec 3
GarlicOct 22–Nov 26
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 26
StrawberriesFeb 17–Mar 3
AsparagusFeb 17–Mar 3Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Feb 28 | Mar 17 | Apr 5 | Oct 29 | Nov 12 | Nov 26 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Feb 10 | Mar 2 | Mar 22 | Nov 7 | Nov 23 | Dec 7 |
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 Carlsbad (USC00291469) sits 3.8 miles from the center of Carlsbad at 3,120 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 Carlsbad, NM?
The average last frost date in Carlsbad is March 17, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 5.
When is the first frost in Carlsbad?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 12. One year in ten it arrives before October 29.
How long is the growing season in Carlsbad?
About 238 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Carlsbad?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from March 24 to April 7. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in New Mexico
- HobbsMar 28
- RoswellApr 13
- AlamogordoMar 9
- Las CrucesMar 12
- ClovisApr 14
- South ValleyApr 18
- AlbuquerqueApr 23
- Rio RanchoApr 8
- Santa FeMay 14
- FarmingtonMay 2