Frost Dates for Santa Fe, NM 87507

Last spring frost May 15 · First fall frost October 1 · 139 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7a

Frost probability for 87507

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)May 28May 15May 2
Fall (first frost)September 20October 1October 13

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (51.7 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Santa Fe, NM

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
87507May 15October 17a
87505May 22September 296b
87508May 15October 17a
87506May 22September 297a
87501May 22September 296b

Month by month in Santa Fe

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryPlan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates.
FebruaryStart the slowest-growing crops indoors: onions, leeks, and celery (10–12 weeks before last frost).
MarchStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around May 15). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost.
AprilStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
MayLast frost around May 15. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
JuneFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
JulySuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
AugustHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
SeptemberFirst fall frost approaching (around October 1). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
OctoberFirst frost around October 1. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
NovemberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.
DecemberClean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden.

What grows in a 139-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Santa Fe, NM (ZIP 87507)?

The median last spring frost date for Santa Fe, NM (ZIP code 87507) is around May 15. 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 Santa Fe, NM?

The median first fall frost date for Santa Fe, NM is around October 1. 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 Santa Fe, NM?

The frost-free growing season in Santa Fe is about 139 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 Santa Fe, NM?

Based on frost date patterns, Santa Fe falls approximately in 7a. 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 Santa Fe, NM?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around May 15). For Santa Fe, that's roughly March 20 to April 3. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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