Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Elk, 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 1, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around June 21, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before June 14, 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° Apr 29 Apr 23 Apr 19 Apr 15 Apr 12 Apr 8 Apr 5 Mar 31 Mar 26
Last 20° May 10 May 4 Apr 30 Apr 27 Apr 24 Apr 21 Apr 17 Apr 13 Apr 8
Last 24° Jun 2 May 26 May 20 May 16 May 12 May 8 May 4 Apr 28 Apr 21
Last 28° Jun 7 Jun 2 May 29 May 26 May 23 May 19 May 16 May 12 May 7
Last 32° Jun 29 Jun 23 Jun 18 Jun 15 Jun 11 Jun 8 Jun 4 May 31 May 25
Last 36° Jul 1 Jun 27 Jun 25 Jun 22 Jun 21 Jun 19 Jun 16 Jun 14 Jun 10

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Elk, 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 September 18, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By September 25, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By October 3, 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 October 3 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° Oct 12 Oct 18 Oct 23 Oct 27 Oct 30 Nov 3 Nov 7 Nov 11 Nov 18
First 20° Oct 6 Oct 12 Oct 15 Oct 19 Oct 22 Oct 24 Oct 28 Oct 31 Nov 6
First 24° Sep 28 Oct 3 Oct 7 Oct 10 Oct 13 Oct 16 Oct 20 Oct 23 Oct 29
First 28° Sep 22 Sep 26 Sep 29 Oct 1 Oct 4 Oct 6 Oct 8 Oct 11 Oct 15
First 32° Sep 14 Sep 18 Sep 21 Sep 23 Sep 25 Sep 28 Sep 30 Oct 3 Oct 7
First 36° Aug 31 Sep 5 Sep 9 Sep 12 Sep 15 Sep 18 Sep 21 Sep 25 Sep 30

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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