Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Mcgaffey, 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 10, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around June 25, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before June 15, 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° May 15 May 7 May 1 Apr 27 Apr 22 Apr 18 Apr 13 Apr 7 Mar 31
Last 20° May 31 May 24 May 19 May 14 May 10 May 5 May 1 Apr 26 Apr 18
Last 24° Jun 5 May 30 May 26 May 22 May 19 May 15 May 12 May 7 May 2
Last 28° Jun 22 Jun 15 Jun 11 Jun 7 Jun 3 May 31 May 27 May 22 May 16
Last 32° Jun 30 Jun 25 Jun 22 Jun 19 Jun 16 Jun 13 Jun 10 Jun 7 Jun 2
Last 36° Jul 10 Jul 5 Jul 1 Jun 28 Jun 25 Jun 22 Jun 19 Jun 15 Jun 10

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Mcgaffey, 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 12, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By September 19, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By September 27, 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 September 27 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 7 Oct 13 Oct 17 Oct 21 Oct 24 Oct 27 Oct 31 Nov 4 Nov 9
First 20° Sep 29 Oct 5 Oct 9 Oct 13 Oct 16 Oct 20 Oct 23 Oct 28 Nov 2
First 24° Sep 21 Sep 26 Sep 29 Oct 2 Oct 5 Oct 8 Oct 11 Oct 14 Oct 19
First 28° Sep 14 Sep 18 Sep 21 Sep 23 Sep 26 Sep 28 Sep 30 Oct 3 Oct 7
First 32° Sep 8 Sep 12 Sep 15 Sep 17 Sep 19 Sep 21 Sep 24 Sep 27 Sep 30
First 36° Aug 18 Aug 24 Aug 28 Sep 1 Sep 4 Sep 7 Sep 11 Sep 15 Sep 21

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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