Bayfield, CO frost dates
How Bayfield compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Bayfield falls between May 16 and June 14, a 29-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 14 and October 8.
- The median last frost is 20 days later than the Colorado median of May 11.
- Its 118-day growing season is longer than 27% of the 374 Colorado places with a regular frost season (state median 146 days).
- The last frost is 32 days later than the zone 6a median of Apr 29. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 6a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 212 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 16 |
| 50% (median) | May 31 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | June 14 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 14 |
| 50% (median) | September 26 |
| 90% (late) | October 8 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Bayfield, CO
Bayfield, CO frost dates — last frost May 31, first frost Sep 26, zone 6a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Bayfield, CO
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 3 – May 17 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Jun 14 – Jun 28 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Jun 14 – Jun 28 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | May 10 – May 24 | May 3 – Jun 7 | Aug 1 – Aug 29 |
| Kale | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | May 3 – May 17 | May 3 – May 17 | Jul 18 – Aug 8 |
| Broccoli | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | May 17 – May 31 | — | Jun 20 – Jul 11 |
| Cabbage | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | May 10 – May 24 | — | Jun 20 – Jul 11 |
| Cauliflower | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | May 17 – May 31 | — | Jun 20 – Jul 11 |
| Okra | Apr 19 – May 3 | Jun 21 – Jul 5 | Jun 21 – Jul 5 | — |
| Basil | Apr 19 – May 3 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 19 – May 10 | Jul 4 – Jul 25 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 19 – May 10 | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 26 – Jun 7 | Aug 15 – Sep 5 |
| Cucumbers | May 3 – May 10 | Jun 14 – Jun 21 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | Jul 11 – Jul 25 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | May 3 – May 10 | — | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | May 3 – May 10 | — | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | May 3 – May 10 | Jun 14 – Jun 28 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | May 10 – Jun 7 | Jul 4 – Jul 18 |
| Beets | — | — | May 10 – Jun 7 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Potatoes | — | — | May 10 – May 31 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 17 – Jun 14 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 17 – Jun 7 | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Jun 7 – Jun 28 | — |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Jun 14 – Jul 5 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 12 – Oct 17 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Vallecito Dam, CO weather station, 14 km away (elevation 7,644 ft (2,330 m)).
Frost dates near Bayfield
- Ignacio May 23 · Sep 29
- Durango May 21 · Oct 2
- Arboles May 23 · Sep 29
- Hesperus Jun 1 · Sep 27
- Marvel Jun 1 · Sep 27
- Pagosa Springs Jun 9 · Sep 22
- Rico frost any month
- Silverton frost any month
- Mancos Jun 4 · Sep 24
- Ophir frost any month
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Bayfield, CO?
The median last spring frost in Bayfield, CO is May 31. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after June 14, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Bayfield, CO?
The median first fall frost is September 26, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 14.
How long is the growing season in Bayfield, CO?
About 118 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Bayfield, CO?
Bayfield, CO is in USDA hardiness zone 6a.