Last frost date in South Valley, NM
Expect the last frost in South Valley around April 18. Frost after May 3 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 24, which leaves 189 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 13 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 3
- Average first frost
- Oct 24
- Frost-free season
- 189 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Mar 31
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2254°
- FriOct 2351°
- SatOct 2446°
- SunOct 2542°
- MonOct 2641°
- TueOct 2742°
- WedOct 2843°
Planting calendar for South Valley
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across New Mexico.
TomatoesApr 25–May 9
PumpkinsMay 2–May 16
SunflowersApr 18–May 9
CucumbersMay 2–May 9
CornApr 25–May 9
Sweet potatoesMay 9–May 23
WatermelonMay 2–May 16
Green beansApr 25–May 16
ZucchiniApr 25–May 9
OkraMay 9–May 23
PeppersMay 2–May 16
BasilApr 25–May 9
Butternut squashApr 25–May 9
CantaloupeMay 2–May 16
EggplantMay 2–May 16
PotatoesMar 21–Apr 4
OnionsMar 7–Mar 28
CarrotsMar 28–May 2
LettuceApr 4–Apr 25
BroccoliMar 21–Apr 4
BeetsMar 21–May 2
PeasMar 7–Mar 21
CabbageMar 21–Apr 4
RadishesMar 14–Apr 25
Brussels sproutsApr 4–Apr 18
SpinachMar 7–Mar 28
CilantroApr 4–Apr 25
KaleMar 21–Apr 4
Collard greensMar 21–Apr 4
TurnipsMar 21–Apr 4
DillApr 18–May 2
CeleryApr 25–May 2
CauliflowerApr 4–Apr 18
LeeksApr 4–Apr 18
Swiss chardApr 4–May 2
ParsleyApr 4–Apr 25
Tulip bulbsOct 10–Nov 14
GarlicOct 3–Nov 7
Daffodil bulbsSep 26–Nov 7
StrawberriesMar 21–Apr 4
AsparagusMar 21–Apr 4Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 1 | Apr 18 | May 3 | Oct 13 | Oct 24 | Nov 4 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 12 | Mar 31 | Apr 18 | Oct 21 | Nov 2 | Nov 14 |
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 Albuquerque Valley (USC00290231) sits 1.1 miles from the center of South Valley at 4,955 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 South Valley, NM?
The average last frost date in South Valley is April 18, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 3.
When is the first frost in South Valley?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 24. One year in ten it arrives before October 13.
How long is the growing season in South Valley?
About 189 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in South Valley?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 25 to May 9. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in New Mexico
- AlbuquerqueApr 23
- Rio RanchoApr 8
- Santa FeMay 14
- FarmingtonMay 2
- AlamogordoMar 9
- RoswellApr 13
- Las CrucesMar 12
- ClovisApr 14
- CarlsbadMar 17
- HobbsMar 28