Jamestown, CO frost dates
How Jamestown compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Jamestown falls between June 7 and July 4, a 27-day window. The first fall frost falls between August 17 and September 15.
- The median last frost is 41 days later than the Colorado median of May 11.
- Its 73-day growing season is among the shortest of the 374 Colorado places with a regular frost season.
- The last frost is 51 days later than the zone 5b median of May 1. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 5b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 244 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Boulder, CO, 11 km away, the last frost here is 46 days later than there and the growing season is 79 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | June 7 |
| 50% (median) | June 21 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | July 4 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | August 17 |
| 50% (median) | September 2 |
| 90% (late) | September 15 |
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 Jamestown, CO
Jamestown, CO frost dates — last frost Jun 21, first frost Sep 2, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Jamestown, CO
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | May 24 – Jun 7 | — | — |
| Peppers Warning: Your frost-free season is about 73 days, which is tight for peppers (75+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Jul 5 – Jul 19 | — | — |
| Eggplant Warning: Your frost-free season is about 73 days, which is tight for eggplant (75+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Jul 5 – Jul 19 | — | — |
| Tomatoes Warning: Your frost-free season is about 73 days, which is tight for tomatoes (70+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | Apr 26 – May 10 | Jun 28 – Jul 12 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Apr 26 – May 10 | May 31 – Jun 14 | May 24 – Jun 28 | — |
| Kale | Apr 26 – May 10 | May 24 – Jun 7 | May 24 – Jun 7 | — |
| Broccoli | Apr 26 – May 10 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | — | — |
| Cabbage | Apr 26 – May 10 | May 31 – Jun 14 | — | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 26 – May 10 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | — | — |
| Okra Warning: Your frost-free season is about 73 days, which is tight for okra (60+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | May 10 – May 24 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 | — |
| Basil Warning: Your frost-free season is about 73 days, which is tight for basil (60+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | May 10 – May 24 | Jun 28 – Jul 12 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | May 10 – May 31 | — |
| Spinach | — | — | May 10 – May 31 | Jul 8 – Jul 29 |
| Radishes | — | — | May 17 – Jun 28 | Jul 22 – Aug 12 |
| Cucumbers | May 24 – May 31 | Jul 5 – Jul 12 | Jun 28 – Jul 12 | — |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | May 24 – May 31 | — | Jun 28 – Jul 12 | — |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins Warning: Your frost-free season is about 73 days, which is tight for winter squash & pumpkins (100+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | May 24 – May 31 | — | Jun 28 – Jul 12 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon Warning: Your frost-free season is about 73 days, which is tight for melons & watermelon (85+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | May 24 – May 31 | Jul 5 – Jul 19 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | May 31 – Jun 28 | — |
| Beets | — | — | May 31 – Jun 28 | — |
| Potatoes | — | — | May 31 – Jun 21 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jun 7 – Jul 5 | — |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jun 7 – Jun 28 | — |
| Green Beans | — | — | Jun 28 – Jul 19 | — |
| Sweet Corn Warning: Your frost-free season is about 73 days, which is tight for sweet corn (80+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | — | — | Jun 28 – Jul 12 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes Warning: Your frost-free season is about 73 days, which is tight for sweet potatoes (100+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | — | Jul 5 – Jul 26 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Aug 19 – Sep 23 |
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 Boulder 14 W, CO weather station, 16 km away (elevation 9,829 ft (2,996 m)).
Frost dates near Jamestown
- Ward Jun 21 · Sep 2
- Boulder May 6 · Oct 5
- Lyons Jun 14 · Sep 12
- Hygiene May 7 · Oct 5
- Allenspark Jun 14 · Sep 12
- Nederland Jun 21 · Sep 2
- Niwot May 7 · Oct 5
- Pinecliffe Jun 5 · Sep 16
- Eldorado Springs May 24 · Sep 23
- Rollinsville Jun 5 · Sep 16
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Jamestown, CO?
The median last spring frost in Jamestown, CO is June 21. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after July 4, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Jamestown, CO?
The median first fall frost is September 2, with about a 10% chance of frost before August 17.
How long is the growing season in Jamestown, CO?
About 73 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Jamestown, CO?
Jamestown, CO is in USDA hardiness zone 5b.