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
- Average first fall frost
- Sep 7
- Growing season
- 77 days
Safer after Jul 3 (1-in-10 risk)
Possible by Aug 17 (1-in-10 risk)
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.
| Temperature | Last spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chance | First fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chance | Growing season (50%) | Years with at least one |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | — | — | 40 days | 100% |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Jun 5 · Jun 19 · Jul 3 | Aug 17 · Sep 7 · Sep 18 | 77 days | 100% |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | May 20 · Jun 2 · Jun 16 | Sep 6 · Sep 20 · Oct 1 | 108 days | 100% |
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:
| Station | Elevation | Avg last frost | Avg first frost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red River, NM (used) | 8,667 ft | Jun 19 | Sep 7 |
| Cerro, NM | 7,650 ft | May 31 | Sep 26 |
| Taos, NM | 6,965 ft | May 19 | Oct 3 |
| Eagle Nest, NM | 8,280 ft | Jun 16 | Sep 14 |
Frost dates near Valdez
- Arroyo Seco, NM 87514 · last Jun 16, first Sep 14
- San Cristobal, NM 87564 · last May 31, first Sep 26
- Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525 · last Jun 19, first Sep 7
- Arroyo Hondo, NM 87513 · last May 19, first Oct 3
- Red River, NM 87558 · last Jun 19, first Sep 7
- Questa, NM 87556 · last May 31, first Sep 26
- El Prado, NM 87529 · last May 19, first Oct 3
- Taos, NM 87571 · last May 19, first Oct 3
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.