Raton, NM frost dates
Last spring frostMay 19median date
First fall frostSep 29median date
Growing season133 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone6aZone 6a
How Raton compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Raton falls between May 6 and June 2, a 27-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 18 and October 8.
- The median last frost is 16 days later than the New Mexico median of May 3.
- Its 133-day growing season is longer than 18% of the 349 New Mexico places with a regular frost season (state median 164 days).
- The last frost is 20 days later than the zone 6a median of Apr 29. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 6a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 191 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 6 |
| 50% (median) | May 19 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | June 2 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 18 |
| 50% (median) | September 29 |
| 90% (late) | October 8 |
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 Raton, NM
Raton, NM frost dates — last frost May 19, first frost Sep 29, zone 6a. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
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Start indoors: Feb 24 to Mar 10Transplant outside: Apr 21 to May 5
Start indoors: Mar 10 to Mar 24Transplant outside: Jun 2 to Jun 16
Start indoors: Mar 10 to Mar 24Transplant outside: Jun 2 to Jun 16
Start indoors: Mar 24 to Apr 7Transplant outside: May 26 to Jun 9
Start indoors: Mar 24 to Apr 7Transplant outside: Apr 28 to May 12Sow outdoors: Apr 21 to May 26Plant for fall: Aug 4 to Sep 1
Start indoors: Mar 24 to Apr 7Transplant outside: Apr 21 to May 5Sow outdoors: Apr 21 to May 5Plant for fall: Jul 21 to Aug 11
Start indoors: Mar 24 to Apr 7Transplant outside: May 5 to May 19Plant for fall: Jun 23 to Jul 14
Start indoors: Mar 24 to Apr 7Transplant outside: Apr 28 to May 12Plant for fall: Jun 23 to Jul 14
Start indoors: Mar 24 to Apr 7Transplant outside: May 5 to May 19Plant for fall: Jun 23 to Jul 14
Start indoors: Apr 7 to Apr 21Transplant outside: Jun 9 to Jun 23Sow outdoors: Jun 9 to Jun 23
Start indoors: Apr 7 to Apr 21Transplant outside: May 26 to Jun 9
Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to Apr 28Plant for fall: Jul 7 to Jul 28
Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to Apr 28Plant for fall: Aug 4 to Aug 25
Sow outdoors: Apr 14 to May 26Plant for fall: Aug 18 to Sep 8
Start indoors: Apr 21 to Apr 28Transplant outside: Jun 2 to Jun 9Sow outdoors: May 26 to Jun 9Plant for fall: Jul 14 to Jul 28
Start indoors: Apr 21 to Apr 28Sow outdoors: May 26 to Jun 9Plant for fall: Jul 21 to Aug 4
Start indoors: Apr 21 to Apr 28Sow outdoors: May 26 to Jun 9
Start indoors: Apr 21 to Apr 28Transplant outside: Jun 2 to Jun 16
Sow outdoors: Apr 28 to May 26Plant for fall: Jul 7 to Jul 21
Sow outdoors: Apr 28 to May 26Plant for fall: Jul 21 to Aug 4
Sow outdoors: Apr 28 to May 19
Sow outdoors: May 5 to Jun 2Plant for fall: Jul 21 to Aug 4
Sow outdoors: May 5 to May 26Plant for fall: Aug 4 to Aug 25
Sow outdoors: May 26 to Jun 16Plant for fall: Jul 14 to Jul 28
Sow outdoors: May 26 to Jun 9
Transplant outside: Jun 2 to Jun 23
Plant for fall: Sep 15 to Oct 20
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Raton, NM
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Apr 21 – May 5 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | May 26 – Jun 9 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Apr 28 – May 12 | Apr 21 – May 26 | Aug 4 – Sep 1 |
| Kale | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Apr 21 – May 5 | Apr 21 – May 5 | Jul 21 – Aug 11 |
| Broccoli | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | May 5 – May 19 | — | Jun 23 – Jul 14 |
| Cabbage | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Apr 28 – May 12 | — | Jun 23 – Jul 14 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | May 5 – May 19 | — | Jun 23 – Jul 14 |
| Okra | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Jun 9 – Jun 23 | Jun 9 – Jun 23 | — |
| Basil | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | May 26 – Jun 9 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 7 – Apr 28 | Jul 7 – Jul 28 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 7 – Apr 28 | Aug 4 – Aug 25 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 14 – May 26 | Aug 18 – Sep 8 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 21 – Apr 28 | Jun 2 – Jun 9 | May 26 – Jun 9 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 21 – Apr 28 | — | May 26 – Jun 9 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 21 – Apr 28 | — | May 26 – Jun 9 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 21 – Apr 28 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 28 – May 26 | Jul 7 – Jul 21 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 28 – May 26 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 28 – May 19 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 5 – Jun 2 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 5 – May 26 | Aug 4 – Aug 25 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 26 – Jun 16 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 26 – Jun 9 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Jun 2 – Jun 23 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 15 – Oct 20 |
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 Raton Krtn Radio, NM weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 6,640 ft (2,024 m)).
Frost dates near Raton
- Maxwell May 17 · Oct 1
- Capulin May 17 · Oct 1
- Folsom May 17 · Oct 1
- Des Moines May 17 · Oct 1
- Springer Apr 30 · Oct 11
- Miami Apr 30 · Oct 11
- Ute Park Jun 16 · Sep 14
- Cimarron May 11 · Oct 3
- Gladstone May 5 · Oct 7
- Eagle Nest Jun 16 · Sep 14
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Raton, NM?
The median last spring frost in Raton, NM is May 19. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after June 2, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Raton, NM?
The median first fall frost is September 29, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 18.
How long is the growing season in Raton, NM?
About 133 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Raton, NM?
Raton, NM is in USDA hardiness zone 6a.