Monarch, CO frost dates

Gardening where frost is possible all year

The weather station nearest Monarch, CO records freezing temperatures in every month often enough that NOAA cannot define a frost-free season. Gardening is still possible — it just means planning for frost at any time:

• Grow fast, cold-tolerant crops: Radishes, Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Peas, Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Garlic.
• Plant once the soil can be worked — usually late spring to early summer at high elevation — and keep row covers ready for clear, still nights.
• Use season extension: cold frames, low tunnels, wall-of-water cloches or a greenhouse turn a few frost-free weeks into a real season.
• Frost-tender crops (tomatoes, squash, beans) need protection all season; choose the earliest varieties you can find.

About these dates

Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Sargents, CO weather station, 20 km away (elevation 8,461 ft (2,579 m)).

Frost dates near Monarch

• Poncha Springs May 29 · Sep 20
• Sargents frost any month
• Pitkin Jun 20 · Sep 8
• Nathrop May 27 · Sep 23
• Salida May 29 · Sep 20
• Ohio City Jun 21 · Sep 5
• Parlin Jun 21 · Sep 5
• Villa Grove May 16 · Sep 28
• Buena Vista May 27 · Sep 23
• Almont Jun 20 · Sep 8

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Monarch, CO?

Monarch, CO can freeze in any month, so there is no reliable last frost date. The nearest NOAA station averages 295 nights a year at or below 32°F.

What can I grow in Monarch, CO?

Fast, cold-tolerant crops such as radishes, lettuce, spinach, kale, peas and potatoes, ideally under row covers, cold frames or a greenhouse. Frost-tender crops like tomatoes need protection all season.