Last frost date in Santa Fe, NM
Expect the last frost in Santa Fe around May 14. Frost after May 28 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 6, which leaves 144 frost-free days. An early freeze before September 25 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 28
- Average first frost
- Oct 6
- Frost-free season
- 144 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- May 3
No frost in the next 7 nights
Later than usual: the average first frost here is October 6.
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2250°
- FriOct 2348°
- SatOct 2441°
- SunOct 2538°
- MonOct 2637°
- TueOct 2738°
- WedOct 2839°
Planting calendar for Santa Fe
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across New Mexico.
TomatoesMay 21–Jun 4
PumpkinsMay 28–Jun 11
SunflowersMay 14–Jun 4
CucumbersMay 28–Jun 4
CornMay 21–Jun 4
Sweet potatoesJun 4–Jun 18
WatermelonMay 28–Jun 11
Green beansMay 21–Jun 11
ZucchiniMay 21–Jun 4
OkraJun 4–Jun 18
PeppersMay 28–Jun 11
BasilMay 21–Jun 4
Butternut squashMay 21–Jun 4
CantaloupeMay 28–Jun 11
EggplantMay 28–Jun 11
PotatoesApr 16–Apr 30
OnionsApr 2–Apr 23
CarrotsApr 23–May 28
LettuceApr 30–May 21
BroccoliApr 16–Apr 30
BeetsApr 16–May 28
PeasApr 2–Apr 16
CabbageApr 16–Apr 30
RadishesApr 9–May 21
Brussels sproutsApr 30–May 14
SpinachApr 2–Apr 23
CilantroApr 30–May 21
KaleApr 16–Apr 30
Collard greensApr 16–Apr 30
TurnipsApr 16–Apr 30
DillMay 14–May 28
CeleryMay 21–May 28
CauliflowerApr 30–May 14
LeeksApr 30–May 14
Swiss chardApr 30–May 28
ParsleyApr 30–May 21
Tulip bulbsSep 22–Oct 27
GarlicSep 15–Oct 20
Daffodil bulbsSep 8–Oct 20
StrawberriesApr 16–Apr 30
AsparagusApr 16–Apr 30Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 30 | May 14 | May 28 | Sep 25 | Oct 6 | Oct 18 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 18 | May 3 | May 17 | Oct 3 | Oct 16 | Oct 28 |
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 Santa Fe 2 (USC00298085) sits 3.0 miles from the center of Santa Fe at 6,756 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 Santa Fe, NM?
The average last frost date in Santa Fe is May 14, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 28.
When is the first frost in Santa Fe?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 6. One year in ten it arrives before September 25.
How long is the growing season in Santa Fe?
About 144 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Santa Fe?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 21 to June 4. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in New Mexico
- Rio RanchoApr 8
- AlbuquerqueApr 23
- South ValleyApr 18
- FarmingtonMay 2
- RoswellApr 13
- ClovisApr 14
- AlamogordoMar 9
- Las CrucesMar 12
- CarlsbadMar 17
- HobbsMar 28