Red River, NM frost dates
Last spring frostJun 19median date
First fall frostSep 7median date
Growing season80 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone6aZone 6a
How Red River compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Red River falls between June 5 and July 3, a 28-day window. The first fall frost falls between August 17 and September 18.
- The median last frost is 47 days later than the New Mexico median of May 3.
- Its 80-day growing season is among the shortest of the 349 New Mexico places with a regular frost season.
- The last frost is 51 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 237 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | June 5 |
| 50% (median) | June 19 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | July 3 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | August 17 |
| 50% (median) | September 7 |
| 90% (late) | September 18 |
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 Red River, NM
Red River, NM frost dates — last frost Jun 19, first frost Sep 7, zone 6a. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
JFMAMJJASOND
Start indoors: Mar 27 to Apr 10Transplant outside: May 22 to Jun 5
Start indoors: Apr 10 to Apr 24Transplant outside: Jul 3 to Jul 17
Start indoors: Apr 10 to Apr 24Transplant outside: Jul 3 to Jul 17
Start indoors: Apr 24 to May 8Transplant outside: Jun 26 to Jul 10
Start indoors: Apr 24 to May 8Transplant outside: May 29 to Jun 12Sow outdoors: May 22 to Jun 26Plant for fall: Jul 13 to Aug 10
Start indoors: Apr 24 to May 8Transplant outside: May 22 to Jun 5Sow outdoors: May 22 to Jun 5
Start indoors: Apr 24 to May 8Transplant outside: Jun 5 to Jun 19
Start indoors: Apr 24 to May 8Transplant outside: May 29 to Jun 12
Start indoors: Apr 24 to May 8Transplant outside: Jun 5 to Jun 19
Start indoors: May 8 to May 22Transplant outside: Jul 10 to Jul 24Sow outdoors: Jul 10 to Jul 24
Start indoors: May 8 to May 22Transplant outside: Jun 26 to Jul 10
Sow outdoors: May 8 to May 29
Sow outdoors: May 8 to May 29Plant for fall: Jul 13 to Aug 3
Sow outdoors: May 15 to Jun 26Plant for fall: Jul 27 to Aug 17
Start indoors: May 22 to May 29Transplant outside: Jul 3 to Jul 10Sow outdoors: Jun 26 to Jul 10
Start indoors: May 22 to May 29Sow outdoors: Jun 26 to Jul 10
Start indoors: May 22 to May 29Sow outdoors: Jun 26 to Jul 10
Start indoors: May 22 to May 29Transplant outside: Jul 3 to Jul 17
Sow outdoors: May 29 to Jun 26
Sow outdoors: May 29 to Jun 26
Sow outdoors: May 29 to Jun 19
Sow outdoors: Jun 5 to Jul 3
Sow outdoors: Jun 5 to Jun 26Plant for fall: Jul 13 to Aug 3
Sow outdoors: Jun 26 to Jul 17
Sow outdoors: Jun 26 to Jul 10
Transplant outside: Jul 3 to Jul 24
Plant for fall: Aug 24 to Sep 28
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Red River, NM
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | May 22 – Jun 5 | — | — |
| Peppers Warning: Your frost-free season is about 80 days, which is tight for peppers (75+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Jul 3 – Jul 17 | — | — |
| Eggplant Warning: Your frost-free season is about 80 days, which is tight for eggplant (75+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Jul 3 – Jul 17 | — | — |
| Tomatoes Warning: Your frost-free season is about 80 days, which is tight for tomatoes (70+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | Apr 24 – May 8 | Jun 26 – Jul 10 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Apr 24 – May 8 | May 29 – Jun 12 | May 22 – Jun 26 | Jul 13 – Aug 10 |
| Kale | Apr 24 – May 8 | May 22 – Jun 5 | May 22 – Jun 5 | — |
| Broccoli | Apr 24 – May 8 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | — | — |
| Cabbage | Apr 24 – May 8 | May 29 – Jun 12 | — | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 24 – May 8 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | — | — |
| Okra | May 8 – May 22 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 | — |
| Basil | May 8 – May 22 | Jun 26 – Jul 10 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | May 8 – May 29 | — |
| Spinach | — | — | May 8 – May 29 | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Radishes | — | — | May 15 – Jun 26 | Jul 27 – Aug 17 |
| Cucumbers | May 22 – May 29 | Jul 3 – Jul 10 | Jun 26 – Jul 10 | — |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | May 22 – May 29 | — | Jun 26 – Jul 10 | — |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins Warning: Your frost-free season is about 80 days, which is tight for winter squash & pumpkins (100+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | May 22 – May 29 | — | Jun 26 – Jul 10 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon Warning: Your frost-free season is about 80 days, which is tight for melons & watermelon (85+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | May 22 – May 29 | Jul 3 – Jul 17 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | May 29 – Jun 26 | — |
| Beets | — | — | May 29 – Jun 26 | — |
| Potatoes | — | — | May 29 – Jun 19 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jun 5 – Jul 3 | — |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jun 5 – Jun 26 | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Jun 26 – Jul 17 | — |
| Sweet Corn Warning: Your frost-free season is about 80 days, which is tight for sweet corn (80+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | — | — | Jun 26 – Jul 10 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes Warning: Your frost-free season is about 80 days, which is tight for sweet potatoes (100+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | — | Jul 3 – Jul 24 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Aug 24 – Sep 28 |
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 Red River, NM weather station, 7 km away (elevation 8,668 ft (2,642 m)).
Frost dates near Red River
- Taos Ski Valley Jun 19 · Sep 7
- Questa May 31 · Sep 26
- Valdez May 31 · Sep 26
- San Cristobal May 31 · Sep 26
- Cerro May 31 · Sep 26
- Arroyo Seco May 19 · Oct 3
- Arroyo Hondo May 31 · Sep 26
- Eagle Nest Jun 16 · Sep 14
- El Prado May 19 · Oct 3
- Amalia May 31 · Sep 26
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Red River, NM?
The median last spring frost in Red River, NM is June 19. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after July 3, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Red River, NM?
The median first fall frost is September 7, with about a 10% chance of frost before August 17.
How long is the growing season in Red River, NM?
About 80 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Red River, NM?
Red River, NM is in USDA hardiness zone 6a.