Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Albuquerque, NM

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the spring

As spring unfolds, the risk of frost gradually decreases each day until your tender plants are finally safe. The probabilities shown in the chart help you make smart decisions about when to plant.

While frost typically forms at 32°F, tender plants can be damaged even when temperatures are slightly higher. Air temperatures are often measured several feet above the ground, but temperatures at plant level can be several degrees colder. Protected areas like porches help by blocking radiational cooling. Given these variables, we consider 36°F the "caution zone" for frost-sensitive plants.

Key dates for your spring planting:

  • By May 16, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around April 28, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before April 17, there's still an 80% risk of frost — too early for tomatoes and other tender plants unless you're prepared to protect them

If the 10-day forecast shows no temperatures below 40°F, you might safely plant earlier than the above dates suggest. Many gardeners watch for this weather window to get a head start on the growing season.

In the Spring
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
Last 16° Mar 8 Feb 25 Feb 18 Feb 11 Feb 5 Jan 30 Jan 24 Jan 15 Jan 3
Last 20° Mar 30 Mar 18 Mar 10 Mar 2 Feb 24 Feb 17 Feb 10 Feb 1 Jan 21
Last 24° Apr 9 Mar 31 Mar 25 Mar 20 Mar 15 Mar 10 Mar 5 Feb 26 Feb 18
Last 28° Apr 23 Apr 17 Apr 12 Apr 8 Apr 5 Apr 1 Mar 29 Mar 24 Mar 18
Last 32° May 3 Apr 27 Apr 23 Apr 19 Apr 16 Apr 13 Apr 9 Apr 5 Mar 30
Last 36° May 16 May 10 May 6 May 2 Apr 28 Apr 25 Apr 21 Apr 17 Apr 11

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Albuquerque, NM, nighttime temperatures begin to drop, and your risk of frost increases with each passing day. Knowing when to expect frost helps you harvest sensitive crops and extend your growing season with protection methods.

The chart below shows the probability of experiencing specific temperatures on various dates. Here's what this means for your garden:

1
Early warning: Around October 18, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By October 28, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By November 6, there's an 80% chance of seeing 32°F — most tender plants will be damaged without protection
4
Another perspective: You have only a 1 in 5 chance of making it past November 6 without a freezing night

These probabilities help you time your end-of-season harvests and know when to apply protective measures like row covers, cloches, or cold frames to extend your harvest.

In the Fall
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
First 16° Nov 25 Dec 1 Dec 5 Dec 9 Dec 12 Dec 16 Dec 20 Dec 25 Jan 3
First 20° Nov 14 Nov 19 Nov 22 Nov 25 Nov 28 Dec 1 Dec 4 Dec 7 Dec 12
First 24° Nov 7 Nov 11 Nov 14 Nov 16 Nov 18 Nov 20 Nov 23 Nov 26 Nov 30
First 28° Oct 22 Oct 27 Oct 31 Nov 3 Nov 6 Nov 9 Nov 12 Nov 16 Nov 21
First 32° Oct 13 Oct 18 Oct 22 Oct 25 Oct 28 Oct 31 Nov 3 Nov 6 Nov 11
First 36° Oct 8 Oct 12 Oct 16 Oct 18 Oct 21 Oct 23 Oct 26 Oct 29 Nov 2

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

Or enter a new zipcode:

Data is provided by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.