Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for El Vado Dam, 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 July 17, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
- Around June 30, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
- Before June 19, 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.
| Temperature | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Last 16° | May 3 | Apr 26 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 4 | Mar 30 | Mar 23 |
| Last 20° | May 14 | May 8 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 12 |
| Last 24° | May 27 | May 22 | May 18 | May 15 | May 12 | May 9 | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 27 |
| Last 28° | Jun 17 | Jun 11 | Jun 7 | Jun 3 | May 30 | May 26 | May 22 | May 18 | May 11 |
| Last 32° | Jun 28 | Jun 23 | Jun 20 | Jun 17 | Jun 15 | Jun 12 | Jun 9 | Jun 6 | Jun 1 |
| Last 36° | Jul 17 | Jul 11 | Jul 7 | Jul 3 | Jun 30 | Jun 27 | Jun 23 | Jun 19 | Jun 13 |
ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall
As summer ends in El Vado Dam, 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:
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.
| Temperature | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First 16° | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 |
| First 20° | Sep 29 | Oct 5 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Nov 3 |
| First 24° | Sep 22 | Sep 27 | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 20 |
| First 28° | Sep 13 | Sep 17 | Sep 20 | Sep 22 | Sep 24 | Sep 27 | Sep 29 | Oct 2 | Oct 5 |
| First 32° | Sep 5 | Sep 9 | Sep 13 | Sep 15 | Sep 18 | Sep 21 | Sep 23 | Sep 27 | Oct 1 |
| First 36° | Aug 19 | Aug 24 | Aug 28 | Sep 1 | Sep 4 | Sep 7 | Sep 11 | Sep 15 | Sep 20 |
📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations
- Tierra Amarilla, NM 17.2 mi
- Chama, NM 24.8 mi
- Lindrith, NM 30.0 mi
- Dulce, NM 30.0 mi
- Abiquiu Dam, NM 32.4 mi
- El Rito, NM 41.4 mi
- Cuba, NM 43.6 mi
- Wolf Canyon, NM 44.8 mi
- Tres Piedras, NM 52.8 mi
- Los Alamos, NM 58.0 mi
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Data is provided by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.