Frost Dates for Taos, NM 87571
Last spring frost June 23 · First fall frost September 3 · 72 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6a
Frost probability for 87571
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | July 8 | June 23 | June 7 |
| Fall (first frost) | August 16 | September 3 | September 22 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (32.3 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Taos
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start the slowest-growing crops indoors: onions, leeks, and celery (10–12 weeks before last frost). |
| March | Organize planting supplies and seed-starting mix. Check stored garden tools. |
| April | Start peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around June 23). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost. |
| May | Start herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable. |
| June | Last frost around June 23. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings. |
| July | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| August | First fall frost approaching (around September 3). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| September | First frost around September 3. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season. |
| October | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| November | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
What grows in a 72-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Taos, NM (ZIP 87571)?
The median last spring frost date for Taos, NM (ZIP code 87571) is around June 23. 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 Taos, NM?
The median first fall frost date for Taos, NM is around September 3. 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 Taos, NM?
The frost-free growing season in Taos is about 72 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 Taos, NM?
Based on frost date patterns, Taos falls approximately in 6a. 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 Taos, NM?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around June 23). For Taos, that's roughly April 28 to May 12. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
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