Kirtland Afb, NM frost dates
How Kirtland Afb compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Kirtland Afb falls between March 17 and April 23, a 37-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 21 and November 16.
- The median last frost is 27 days earlier than the New Mexico median of May 3.
- Its 211-day growing season is longer than 82% of the 349 New Mexico places with a regular frost season (state median 164 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 7b, where the median is Apr 5.
- The weather station records an average of 93 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Kirtland Afb shares its weather station with Albuquerque, NM, 11 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 17 |
| 50% (median) | April 6 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 23 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 21 |
| 50% (median) | November 3 |
| 90% (late) | November 16 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Kirtland Afb, NM
Kirtland Afb, NM frost dates — last frost Apr 6, first frost Nov 3, zone 7b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Kirtland Afb, NM
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | Apr 20 – May 4 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | Apr 20 – May 4 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Mar 9 – Apr 13 | Sep 8 – Oct 6 |
| Kale | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Aug 25 – Sep 15 |
| Broccoli | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | — | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Cabbage | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | — | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | — | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Okra | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Apr 27 – May 11 | Apr 27 – May 11 | — |
| Basil | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 23 – Mar 16 | Aug 11 – Sep 1 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 23 – Mar 16 | Sep 8 – Sep 29 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 2 – Apr 13 | Sep 22 – Oct 13 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 9 – Mar 16 | Apr 20 – Apr 27 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 9 – Mar 16 | — | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 9 – Mar 16 | — | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 9 – Mar 16 | Apr 20 – May 4 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 16 – Apr 13 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 16 – Apr 13 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 16 – Apr 6 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 23 – Apr 20 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 23 – Apr 13 | Sep 8 – Sep 29 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 13 – May 4 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 20 – May 11 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 20 – Nov 24 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Albuquerque Intl Ap, NM weather station, 6 km away (elevation 5,312 ft (1,619 m)).
Frost dates near Kirtland Afb
- Albuquerque Apr 6 · Nov 3
- Isleta Apr 18 · Oct 24
- Bosque Farms Apr 23 · Oct 21
- Cedar Crest May 9 · Oct 9
- Tijeras May 9 · Oct 9
- Rio Rancho Apr 8 · Nov 1
- Peralta Apr 23 · Oct 21
- Corrales Apr 8 · Nov 1
- Sandia Park May 9 · Oct 9
- Los Lunas Apr 23 · Oct 21
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Kirtland Afb, NM?
The median last spring frost in Kirtland Afb, NM is April 6. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 23, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Kirtland Afb, NM?
The median first fall frost is November 3, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 21.
How long is the growing season in Kirtland Afb, NM?
About 211 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Kirtland Afb, NM?
Kirtland Afb, NM is in USDA hardiness zone 7b.