Clayton, ID frost dates
How Clayton compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Clayton falls between May 2 and June 2, a 31-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 10 and October 7.
- The median last frost is the same as the Idaho median of May 14.
- Its 134-day growing season is longer than 41% of the 244 Idaho places with a regular frost season (state median 138 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 193 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 2 |
| 50% (median) | May 14 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | June 2 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 10 |
| 50% (median) | September 25 |
| 90% (late) | October 7 |
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 Clayton, ID
Clayton, ID frost dates — last frost May 14, first frost Sep 25, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Clayton, ID
| 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 | Jul 31 – Aug 28 |
| Kale | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Jul 17 – Aug 7 |
| Broccoli | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | Jun 19 – Jul 10 |
| Cabbage | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | Jun 19 – Jul 10 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | Jun 19 – Jul 10 |
| 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 3 – Jul 24 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | Jul 31 – Aug 21 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 9 – May 21 | Aug 14 – Sep 4 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | May 28 – Jun 4 | May 21 – Jun 4 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | — | May 21 – Jun 4 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
| 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 3 – Jul 17 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 23 – May 21 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 23 – May 14 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 30 – May 28 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 30 – May 21 | Jul 31 – Aug 21 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 21 – Jun 11 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 21 – Jun 4 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 28 – Jun 18 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 11 – Oct 16 |
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 Challis Ap, ID weather station, 32 km away (elevation 5,033 ft (1,534 m)).
Frost dates near Clayton
- Challis May 14 · Sep 25
- Stanley frost any month
- May Jun 12 · Sep 6
- Ellis Jun 12 · Sep 6
- Ketchum frost any month
- Sun Valley frost any month
- Mackay Jun 1 · Sep 20
- Atlanta Jun 6 · Sep 4
- Hailey May 13 · Oct 2
- Corral Jun 8 · Sep 14
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Clayton, ID?
The median last spring frost in Clayton, ID is May 14. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after June 2, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Clayton, ID?
The median first fall frost is September 25, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 10.
How long is the growing season in Clayton, ID?
About 134 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Clayton, ID?
Clayton, ID is in USDA hardiness zone 5b.