Frost Dates for Las Cruces, NM 88001

Last spring frost March 24 · First fall frost November 8 · 229 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8b

Frost probability for 88001

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)April 12March 24March 9
Fall (first frost)October 25November 8November 22

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (37.3 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Las Cruces, NM

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
88001March 24November 88b
88012April 26October 207b
88011April 26October 208b
88005April 21October 268a
88007April 21October 268b
88004April 21October 268b
88003March 24November 88b

Month by month in Las Cruces

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around March 24). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost.
FebruaryStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
MarchLast frost around March 24. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
AprilFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
MaySuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
JuneHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
JulyMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
AugustDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
SeptemberDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
OctoberFirst fall frost approaching (around November 8). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
NovemberFirst frost around November 8. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
DecemberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.

What grows in a 229-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Las Cruces, NM (ZIP 88001)?

The median last spring frost date for Las Cruces, NM (ZIP code 88001) is around March 24. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.

What is the first fall frost date in Las Cruces, NM?

The median first fall frost date for Las Cruces, NM is around November 8. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.

How long is the growing season in Las Cruces, NM?

The frost-free growing season in Las Cruces is about 229 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side.

What USDA hardiness zone is Las Cruces, NM?

Based on frost date patterns, Las Cruces falls approximately in 8b. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.

When should I start tomatoes indoors in Las Cruces, NM?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around March 24). For Las Cruces, that's roughly January 28 to February 11. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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