Monument, CO frost dates
How Monument compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Monument falls between May 2 and May 31, a 29-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 16 and October 14.
- The median last frost is 3 days later than the Colorado median of May 11.
- Its 140-day growing season is longer than 44% of the 374 Colorado places with a regular frost season (state median 146 days).
- The last frost is 13 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 184 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Colorado Springs, CO, 30 km away, the last frost here is 11 days later than there and the growing season is 18 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 2 |
| 50% (median) | May 14 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 31 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 16 |
| 50% (median) | October 1 |
| 90% (late) | October 14 |
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 Monument, CO
Monument, CO frost dates — last frost May 14, first frost Oct 1, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Monument, CO
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 28 – Jun 11 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 28 – Jun 11 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | May 21 – Jun 4 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 23 – May 7 | Apr 16 – May 21 | Aug 6 – Sep 3 |
| Kale | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Jul 23 – Aug 13 |
| Broccoli | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Cabbage | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Okra | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 | — |
| Basil | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | May 21 – Jun 4 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | Jul 9 – Jul 30 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | Aug 6 – Aug 27 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 9 – May 21 | Aug 20 – Sep 10 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | May 28 – Jun 4 | May 21 – Jun 4 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | — | May 21 – Jun 4 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | — | May 21 – Jun 4 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | May 28 – Jun 11 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 23 – May 21 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 23 – May 21 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 23 – May 14 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 30 – May 28 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 30 – May 21 | Aug 6 – Aug 27 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 21 – Jun 11 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 21 – Jun 4 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 28 – Jun 18 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 17 – Oct 22 |
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 Monument, CO weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 7,080 ft (2,158 m)).
Frost dates near Monument
- Palmer Lake May 14 · Oct 1
- Larkspur May 14 · Oct 1
- Woodland Park Jun 1 · Sep 21
- Green Mountain Falls Jun 3 · Sep 17
- Elbert May 29 · Sep 21
- Cascade Jun 3 · Sep 17
- Manitou Springs Jun 3 · Sep 17
- Colorado Springs May 3 · Oct 8
- Sedalia May 16 · Oct 1
- Peyton May 9 · Oct 6
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Monument, CO?
The median last spring frost in Monument, CO is May 14. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 31, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Monument, CO?
The median first fall frost is October 1, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 16.
How long is the growing season in Monument, CO?
About 140 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Monument, CO?
Monument, CO is in USDA hardiness zone 5b.