Last frost date in Las Cruces, NM
In Las Cruces, the last spring frost comes around March 12 in an average year. Wait until April 2 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 13, which leaves 241 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 30 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 2
- Average first frost
- Nov 13
- Frost-free season
- 241 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Feb 26
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2259°
- FriOct 2357°
- SatOct 2453°
- SunOct 2552°
- MonOct 2650°
- TueOct 2750°
- WedOct 2852°
Planting calendar for Las Cruces
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across New Mexico.
TomatoesMar 19–Apr 2
PumpkinsMar 26–Apr 9
SunflowersMar 12–Apr 2
CucumbersMar 26–Apr 2
CornMar 19–Apr 2
Sweet potatoesApr 2–Apr 16
WatermelonMar 26–Apr 9
Green beansMar 19–Apr 9
ZucchiniMar 19–Apr 2
OkraApr 2–Apr 16
PeppersMar 26–Apr 9
BasilMar 19–Apr 2
Butternut squashMar 19–Apr 2
CantaloupeMar 26–Apr 9
EggplantMar 26–Apr 9
PotatoesFeb 12–Feb 26
OnionsJan 29–Feb 19
CarrotsFeb 19–Mar 26
LettuceFeb 26–Mar 19
BroccoliFeb 12–Feb 26
BeetsFeb 12–Mar 26
PeasJan 29–Feb 12
CabbageFeb 12–Feb 26
RadishesFeb 5–Mar 19
Brussels sproutsFeb 26–Mar 12
SpinachJan 29–Feb 19
CilantroFeb 26–Mar 19
KaleFeb 12–Feb 26
Collard greensFeb 12–Feb 26
TurnipsFeb 12–Feb 26
DillMar 12–Mar 26
CeleryMar 19–Mar 26
CauliflowerFeb 26–Mar 12
LeeksFeb 26–Mar 12
Swiss chardFeb 26–Mar 26
ParsleyFeb 26–Mar 19
Tulip bulbsOct 30–Dec 4
GarlicOct 23–Nov 27
Daffodil bulbsOct 16–Nov 27
StrawberriesFeb 12–Feb 26
AsparagusFeb 12–Feb 26Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Feb 23 | Mar 12 | Apr 2 | Oct 30 | Nov 13 | Nov 24 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Feb 4 | Feb 26 | Mar 15 | Nov 9 | Nov 24 | Dec 8 |
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 State University (USC00298535) sits 3.5 miles from the center of Las Cruces at 3,886 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 Las Cruces, NM?
The average last frost date in Las Cruces is March 12, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 2.
When is the first frost in Las Cruces?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 13. One year in ten it arrives before October 30.
How long is the growing season in Las Cruces?
About 241 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Las Cruces?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from March 19 to April 2. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in New Mexico
- AlamogordoMar 9
- CarlsbadMar 17
- RoswellApr 13
- South ValleyApr 18
- AlbuquerqueApr 23
- Rio RanchoApr 8
- HobbsMar 28
- Santa FeMay 14
- ClovisApr 14
- FarmingtonMay 2