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

Planting zone for 87521 — Chamisal, NM

ZIP code 87521 (Chamisal, Taos County) is in USDA zone 6a: the coldest winter night averages −10 to −5 °F. The median last spring frost is May 28 and the first fall frost September 26.

Where ZIP 87521 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.

Zone6a−10 to −5 °F

Coldest night−23.3 to −20.6 °C

Last frostMay 28

First frostSep 26

2012 zone6b

Was 6b on the 2012 map — half a zone colder now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 6a means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Chamisal, 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 Chamisal, NM

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 28median — 50% chance of a later frost

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

First fall frostSeptember 26median — 10% chance by Sep 12

Growing season119 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 14 and returns around October 5.

From the NOAA station Gascon, NM — 12 miles away, elevation 8,252 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 87521

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 16 – Apr 30

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 16 – May 7

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 19 – Apr 2

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · May 7 – May 21

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 30 – May 14

PotatoesPlant outdoors · May 7 – May 21

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 30 – May 14

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · May 7 – May 21

TomatoesStart indoors · Apr 2 – Apr 16

TomatoesTransplant · Jun 4 – Jun 18

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 19 – Apr 2

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Jun 11 – Jun 25

BeansSow outdoors · Jun 4 – Jun 18

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Jun 4 – Jun 18

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Jun 4 – Jun 18

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 1 – Aug 15

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 12 – Oct 17

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 28) and first fall frost (Sep 26) 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 87521 came on May 7 — 13 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (May 20).

average
May 202026
May 7

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 6a in New Mexico

511 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in New Mexico, and rated by the USDA to survive −10 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 6a. 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 Chamisal, NM.

Soil in Chamisal, NM

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 87521 is Cryoborolls — gravelly loam, well drained.

TextureGravelly loama good balance for most vegetables

pH6.7neutral; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.5%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupCwater soaks in slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Cryoborolls, 0 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 87521; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Chamisal, NM

Summer high76 °Faverage high, July

Winter low18 °Faverage low, January

Hot days0days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights192nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days1,275base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 36 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 42 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation27.2 inper year, rain and melted snow

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Gascon, NM (12 mi away); precipitation: Rio Santa Barbara, NM (4 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

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

Cleveland, NM · 11 mi

New Mexico planting zones →

Questions about 87521

What planting zone is ZIP code 87521?

ZIP code 87521 (Chamisal, NM) is in USDA hardiness zone 6a on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −10 to −5 °F (−23.3 to −20.6 °C).

When is the last frost in Chamisal, NM?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 87521 is May 28; after June 10 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Gascon station.

When is the first frost in Chamisal, NM?

The median first fall frost near 87521 is September 26, giving a median frost-free growing season of 119 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 87521?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Apr 2 – Apr 16 and set transplants outside around Jun 4 – Jun 18, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 87521 get?

About 27.2 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Rio Santa Barbara station).

How hot do summers get in Chamisal, NM?

The average high peaks at 76 °F in July, with about 0 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 87521 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Cryoborolls at the center of ZIP 87521: gravelly loam, well drained, pH about 6.7 (neutral).

Did spring come early in Chamisal, NM in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 87521 came on May 7 in 2026, 13 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (May 20), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Chamisal, NM?

Intermediate onions: the longest day near 87521 is 14 h 36 min, so day-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully.

Did the zone for 87521 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 87521 in zone 6b; the 2023 map puts it in zone 6a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.