Soil Temperature in New Mexico
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across New Mexico is 82°F, based on 10 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 63°F to 91°F. Last updated July 2, 2026.
Current Planting Conditions
Summer conditions across New Mexico with soil averaging 82°F at 2 inches. Warm-season grasses are in peak growth; keep cool-season lawns mowed high and watered deep. The next application windows arrive in fall, starting with pre-emergent as soil falls back through 70°F.
Grass Seed Germination in New Mexico
Grass seed germination
Grass seed germination temperatures across New Mexico. Soil warmth varies by location, so check a city page for the live reading and what germinates there now.
| Grass species | Germination optimum | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky bluegrass | 59–86°F | 14-30 |
| Tall fescue | 68–86°F | 7-12 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 68–86°F | 5-10 |
| Fine fescue | 59–77°F | 7-14 |
| Bermudagrass | 75–85°F | 10-30 |
Monitoring Stations in New Mexico (10)
For root-zone timing (fertilizer, aeration, weed control), see the 4-inch soil temperature for New Mexico. For accumulated-heat timing, see growing degree days for New Mexico. See the New Mexico soil temperature map for the full station view.
| Station | 2" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Adams Ranch #1 (Lincoln) | 85°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Crossroads (Lea) | 86°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Willow Wells (Lea) | 84°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Jornada Exp Range (Dona Ana) | 88°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Los Lunas PMC (Valencia) | 84°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Sevilleta (Socorro) | 85°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Alcalde (Rio Arriba) | 74°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Thoreau (McKinley) | 82°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Socorro 20 N | 91°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Los Alamos 13 W | 63°F | 2026-07-02 |
Cities in New Mexico (17)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Alamogordo | 88310 | 88°F |
| Albuquerque | 87101 | 84°F |
| Artesia | 88210 | 84°F |
| Carlsbad | 88220 | 87°F* |
| Clovis | 88101 | 78°F |
| Deming | 88030 | 88°F |
| Espanola | 87532 | 74°F |
| Farmington | 87401 | 74°F |
| Gallup | 87301 | 82°F |
| Hobbs | 88240 | 86°F |
| Las Cruces | 88001 | 88°F |
| Los Alamos | 87544 | 63°F |
| Rio Rancho | 87124 | 84°F |
| Roswell | 88201 | 84°F |
| Ruidoso | 88345 | 85°F |
| Santa Fe | 87501 | 74°F |
| Silver City | 88061 | 76°F* |
Modeled estimate from Open-Meteo where no monitoring station is within 75 miles; all other readings are measured at USDA and NOAA stations.
Lawn Care Timing Guides for New Mexico
- Summer Lawn Dormancy: Keep Cool-Season Grass Alive in Heat
Cool-season grass slows once 2-inch soil sustains 75°F and goes dormant near 85°F.
- When to Apply Grub Control: The 65-70°F Soil Window
Apply preventive grub control (chlorantraniliprole or imidacloprid) before eggs hatch, when 2-4 inch soil holds 65-70°F: late June through July in most regions.
- Lawn Fungus by Temperature: Brown Patch, Dollar Spot & More
Brown patch and Pythium strike when humid nights hold above 68°F on lush, over-fertilized turf; dollar spot, red thread, and rust hit slow-growing lawns at 60-85°F.
- When to Apply Broadleaf Weed Killer on Warm-Season Lawns in Spring
Spring broadleaf timing for St.
Soil Temperature FAQ for New Mexico
What is the current soil temperature in New Mexico?
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across New Mexico is 82°F, based on 10 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 63°F to 91°F depending on location and elevation.
When should I apply pre-emergent in New Mexico?
Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil at 2 inches reaches 55°F for several consecutive days. Timing varies across New Mexico, so check your city's page for station-specific readings and the pre-emergent timing recommendation.
When can I plant grass seed in New Mexico?
Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) can be seeded when soil holds between 50 and 65°F. Warm-season grasses (bermuda, zoysia) need soil above 65°F. Timing varies by location, so check your city's planting window for the dates specific to your area.