Frost dates for 87939Monticello, NM
The average last spring frost in Monticello is March 22 and the average first fall frost is November 9, giving a typical growing season of about 230 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
- Average last spring frost
- Mar 22
- Average first fall frost
- Nov 9
- Growing season
- 230 days
Safer after Apr 10 (1-in-10 risk)
Possible by Oct 27 (1-in-10 risk)
First frost typically in 13 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) | Mar 21 · Apr 7 · Apr 25 | Oct 19 · Nov 1 · Nov 12 | 205 days | 100% |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 4 · Mar 22 · Apr 10 | Oct 27 · Nov 9 · Nov 22 | 230 days | 100% |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Feb 13 · Mar 4 · Mar 26 | Nov 4 · Nov 19 · Dec 2 | 257 days | 100% |
Planting calendar for Monticello
Planting windows from the University of Maryland Extension calendar, shifted to your average frost dates. Use them as a starting point and adjust for seed packet instructions and local conditions.
| Crop | Task | Window |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors | Feb 19 – Apr 27 |
| Tomatoes | Transplant outdoors | Apr 7 – Jul 20 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors | Feb 19 – Mar 22 |
| Peppers | Transplant outdoors | Apr 21 – May 22 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors | Mar 8 – Apr 6 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | Apr 21 – May 22 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors | Apr 21 – Jul 30 |
| Summer squash | Sow outdoors | Apr 7 – May 22 |
| Winter squash & pumpkins | Sow outdoors | Apr 21 – May 22 |
| Snap beans | Sow outdoors | Apr 7 – Aug 22 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors | Apr 7 – Jul 20 |
| Watermelon & cantaloupe | Sow outdoors | Apr 21 – May 22 |
| Okra | Sow outdoors | Apr 14 – May 7 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 19 – Apr 6 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors (spring) | Feb 19 – Apr 21 |
| Onions | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 8 – Feb 4 |
| Onions | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Mar 8 – Apr 6 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Feb 1 – Mar 7 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Mar 8 – Apr 6 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jul 10 – Jul 20 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Aug 9 – Aug 20 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 22 – Feb 19 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Feb 19 – Mar 22 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jun 30 – Jul 30 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Jul 30 – Aug 30 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 19 – May 7 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 30 – Sep 15 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 12 – Mar 28 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (fall) | Aug 16 – Sep 20 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 19 – Apr 11 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 30 – Sep 30 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 8 – Mar 28 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 23 – Aug 30 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 22 – May 7 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jun 30 – Aug 15 |
| Garlic | Plant outdoors (fall) | Oct 30 – Nov 30 |
Where these dates come from
ZIP code 87939 is matched to the NOAA station Truth Or Consequence Ap, NM, 24.6 km away, at 4,850 ft elevation (409 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:
| Station | Elevation | Avg last frost | Avg first frost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truth Or Consequence Ap, NM (used) | 4,850 ft | Mar 22 | Nov 9 |
| Winston, NM | 6,196 ft | May 10 | Oct 8 |
| Truth Or Consequences, NM | 4,296 ft | Mar 30 | Nov 5 |
| Elephant Butte Dam, NM | 4,571 ft | Mar 13 | Nov 15 |
Frost dates near Monticello
- Winston, NM 87943 · last May 10, first Oct 8
- Elephant Butte, NM 87935 · last Mar 13, first Nov 15
- Truth Or Consequences, NM 87901 · last Mar 30, first Nov 5
- Williamsburg, NM 87942 · last Mar 30, first Nov 5
- Caballo, NM 87931 · last Mar 25, first Nov 6
- Hillsboro, NM 88042 · last Apr 23, first Oct 23
- Arrey, NM 87930 · last Mar 25, first Nov 6
- Spaceport City, NM 87654 · last Mar 13, first Nov 15
Frequently asked questions
- When is the last frost in Monticello, NM?
- For ZIP code 87939, the average last spring frost (32°F) is March 22, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Truth Or Consequence Ap, NM weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after April 10.
- When is the first frost in Monticello, NM?
- The average first fall frost (32°F) is November 9. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by October 27, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
- How long is the growing season in 87939?
- In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 230 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.