Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for 87520 — Chama, NM

ZIP code 87520 (Chama, Rio Arriba County) is in USDA zone 5b: the coldest winter night averages −15 to −10 °F. The median last spring frost is June 14 and the first fall frost September 18.

Where ZIP 87520 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone5b−15 to −10 °F

Coldest night−26.1 to −23.3 °C

Last frostJun 14

First frostSep 18

2012 zone5a

Was 5a on the 2012 map — half a zone warmer now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 5b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Chama, NM…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Chama, NM

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostJune 14median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsJune 30only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 18median — 10% chance by Sep 7

Growing season93 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around June 1 and returns around September 26.

From the NOAA station Chama, NM — 4 miles away, elevation 7,851 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in 87520

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · May 3 – May 17

SpinachSow outdoors · May 3 – May 24

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Apr 5 – Apr 19

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · May 24 – Jun 7

Onion setsPlant outdoors · May 17 – May 31

PotatoesPlant outdoors · May 24 – Jun 7

LettuceSow outdoors · May 17 – May 31

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · May 24 – Jun 7

TomatoesStart indoors · Apr 19 – May 3

TomatoesTransplant · Jun 21 – Jul 5

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Apr 5 – Apr 19

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Jun 28 – Jul 12

BeansSow outdoors · Jun 21 – Jul 5

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Jun 21 – Jul 5

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Jun 21 – Jul 5

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Jul 24 – Aug 7

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 4 – Oct 9

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Jun 14) and first fall frost (Sep 18) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 87520 came on Mar 23 — 26 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 18).

average
Apr 182026
Mar 23

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Native plants for zone 5b in New Mexico

481 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in New Mexico, and rated by the USDA to survive −15 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 5b. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Chama, NM.

Soil in Chama, NM

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 87520 is Roques — clay loam, well drained.

TextureClay loamholds water and nutrients; slow to drain and warm up

pH7.0neutral; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.5%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupDwater soaks in very slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Roques-Nusmag clay loams, 1 to 8 percent slopes.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 87520; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Chama, NM

Summer high80 °Faverage high, July

Winter low7 °Faverage low, January

Hot days2days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights231nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days1,239base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 41 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 38 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growIntermediateday-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully

Precipitation22.4 inper year, rain and melted snow

Snowfall92 inper year

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches · ❄ = snowfall

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Chama, NM (4 mi away); precipitation: Chama, NM (4 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

1 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

Tierra Amarilla, NM · 16 mi

Pagosa Springs, CO · 34 mi

New Mexico planting zones →

Questions about 87520

What planting zone is ZIP code 87520?

ZIP code 87520 (Chama, NM) is in USDA hardiness zone 5b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −15 to −10 °F (−26.1 to −23.3 °C).

When is the last frost in Chama, NM?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 87520 is June 14; after June 30 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Chama station.

When is the first frost in Chama, NM?

The median first fall frost near 87520 is September 18, giving a median frost-free growing season of 93 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 87520?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Apr 19 – May 3 and set transplants outside around Jun 21 – Jul 5, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 87520 get?

About 22.4 inches of precipitation a year and 92 inches of snowfall (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Chama station).

How hot do summers get in Chama, NM?

The average high peaks at 80 °F in July, with about 2 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 87520 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Roques at the center of ZIP 87520: clay loam, well drained, pH about 7.0 (neutral).

Did spring come early in Chama, NM in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 87520 came on Mar 23 in 2026, 26 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 18), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Chama, NM?

Intermediate onions: the longest day near 87520 is 14 h 41 min, so day-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully.

Did the zone for 87520 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 87520 in zone 5a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 5b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.