FrostDateByZip

Frost dates for 87580Valdez, NM

The average last spring frost in Valdez is June 19 and the average first fall frost is September 7, giving a typical growing season of about 77 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost
Jun 19

Safer after Jul 3 (1-in-10 risk)

Average first fall frost
Sep 7

Possible by Aug 17 (1-in-10 risk)

Growing season
77 days

Last frost typically in 235 days

Frost risk by date

NOAA reports frost dates as probabilities. The middle date is the average (a 50% chance). For spring, the 10% date is a safer planting date: frost after it happens in about 1 year in 10. Light frost (36°F) can damage tender plants; a hard freeze (28°F) kills most annuals.

Spring dates: chance of a frost AFTER the date. Fall dates: chance of a frost BEFORE the date.
TemperatureLast spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chanceFirst fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chanceGrowing season (50%)Years with at least one
Light frost (36°F)——40 days100%
Frost / freeze (32°F)Jun 5 · Jun 19 · Jul 3Aug 17 · Sep 7 · Sep 1877 days100%
Hard freeze (28°F)May 20 · Jun 2 · Jun 16Sep 6 · Sep 20 · Oct 1108 days100%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 87580 is matched to the NOAA station Red River, NM, 20.5 km away, at 8,667 ft elevation (992 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

StationElevationAvg last frostAvg first frost
Red River, NM (used)8,667 ftJun 19Sep 7
Cerro, NM7,650 ftMay 31Sep 26
Taos, NM6,965 ftMay 19Oct 3
Eagle Nest, NM8,280 ftJun 16Sep 14

Frost dates near Valdez

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Valdez, NM?
For ZIP code 87580, the average last spring frost (32°F) is June 19, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Red River, NM weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after July 3.
When is the first frost in Valdez, NM?
The average first fall frost (32°F) is September 7. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by August 17, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 87580?
In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 77 days long.
Are these frost dates a forecast?
No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.