When to plant in Santa Fe, NM
USDA Zone 6bHere are the average frost dates, USDA hardiness zone, and a month-by-month planting calendar for Santa Fe, New Mexico — all computed from Santa Fe's nearest NOAA weather station.
In zone 6b, Santa Fe gardeners can grow many hardy perennials, while the last and first frost still dictate the annual vegetable calendar.
Frost probability
SANTA FE 2 · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Santa Fe’s own odds, recorded at SANTA FE 2.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 9 | May 26 | May 13 | Sep 16 | Sep 29 | Oct 10 |
| 32°F | May 28 | May 14 | Apr 30 | Sep 25 | Oct 6 | Oct 18 |
| 28°F | May 17 | May 3 | Apr 18 | Oct 3 | Oct 16 | Oct 28 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Santa Fe, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 11 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Santa Fe planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Santa Fe, NM?
On average, the last spring frost in Santa Fe is around May 14 (50% probability at 32°F, from 1991–2020 NOAA normals). Wait until after this date to set out tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first fall frost in Santa Fe, NM?
The first fall frost in Santa Fe typically arrives around October 6 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Santa Fe in?
Santa Fe is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. In zone 6b, winters are moderate — most common vegetables grow well in season.
How long is the growing season in Santa Fe?
Santa Fe has about 145 frost-free days — a short growing season — between the average last spring frost (May 14) and first fall frost (October 6).
When should I plant tomatoes in Santa Fe?
For Santa Fe, sow tomatoes indoors about March 19–April 2 and move the seedlings out around May 21, after the last spring frost.
Never miss a window in Santa Fe
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Santa Fe’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Los Alamos · 38 km
- Española · 39 km
- Las Vegas · 69 km
- Rio Rancho · 77 km
- North Valley · 80 km
- Albuquerque · 86 km
- South Valley · 97 km
- Los Lunas · 121 km
Frost dates recorded at SANTA FE 2, 5 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Santa Fe, NM — Frost Dates & Zone 6b." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USC00298085. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/new-mexico/santa-fe.