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

Planting zone for 87718 — Eagle Nest, NM

ZIP code 87718 (Eagle Nest, Colfax County) is in USDA zone 6a: the coldest winter night averages −10 to −5 °F. The median last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost September 14.

Where ZIP 87718 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 frostJun 16

First frostSep 14

2012 zone4b

Was 4b on the 2012 map — 1.5 zones warmer 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 Eagle Nest, 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 Eagle Nest, NM

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostJune 16median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsJuly 5only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 14median — 10% chance by Sep 1

Growing season87 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 31 and returns around September 23.

From the NOAA station Eagle Nest, NM — 3 miles away, elevation 8,281 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 87718

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · May 5 – May 19

SpinachSow outdoors · May 5 – May 26

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Apr 7 – Apr 21

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · May 26 – Jun 9

Onion setsPlant outdoors · May 19 – Jun 2

PotatoesPlant outdoors · May 26 – Jun 9

LettuceSow outdoors · May 19 – Jun 2

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · May 26 – Jun 9

TomatoesStart indoors · Apr 21 – May 5

TomatoesTransplant · Jun 23 – Jul 7

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Apr 7 – Apr 21

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Jun 30 – Jul 14

BeansSow outdoors · Jun 23 – Jul 7

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Jun 23 – Jul 7

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Jun 23 – Jul 7

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Jul 20 – Aug 3

GarlicPlant cloves · Aug 31 – Oct 5

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Jun 16) and first fall frost (Sep 14) 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 87718 came on Mar 24 — 31 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 24).

average
Apr 242026
Mar 24

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 Eagle Nest, NM.

Soil in Eagle Nest, NM

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 87718 is Bundo — gravelly sandy loam, well drained.

TextureGravelly sandy loamdrains and warms fast; dries out and needs more feeding

pH5.6moderately acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.5%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupAwater soaks in fast

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Bundo association, steep.

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 87718; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Eagle Nest, NM

Summer high79 °Faverage high, July

Winter low5 °Faverage low, January

Hot days0days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights243nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days1,095base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 40 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 39 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation17.2 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: Eagle Nest, NM (3 mi away); precipitation: Eagle Nest, NM (3 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.

877496a

Ute Park, NM · 6 mi

875586a

Red River, NM · 13 mi

877146a

Cimarron, NM · 14 mi

875256a

Taos Ski Valley, NM · 14 mi

877106a

Angel Fire, NM · 15 mi

Arroyo Seco, NM · 21 mi

New Mexico planting zones →

Questions about 87718

What planting zone is ZIP code 87718?

ZIP code 87718 (Eagle Nest, 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 Eagle Nest, NM?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 87718 is June 16; after July 5 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Eagle Nest station.

When is the first frost in Eagle Nest, NM?

The median first fall frost near 87718 is September 14, giving a median frost-free growing season of 87 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 87718?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Apr 21 – May 5 and set transplants outside around Jun 23 – Jul 7, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 87718 get?

About 17.2 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Eagle Nest station).

How hot do summers get in Eagle Nest, NM?

The average high peaks at 79 °F in July, with about 0 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 87718 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Bundo at the center of ZIP 87718: gravelly sandy loam, well drained, pH about 5.6 (moderately acidic).

Did spring come early in Eagle Nest, NM in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 87718 came on Mar 24 in 2026, 31 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 24), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Eagle Nest, NM?

Intermediate onions: the longest day near 87718 is 14 h 40 min, so day-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully.

Did the zone for 87718 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 87718 in zone 4b; the 2023 map puts it in zone 6a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.