Clifton, ID frost dates
How Clifton compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Clifton falls between May 2 and June 4, a 33-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 14 and October 14.
- The median last frost is 2 days later than the Idaho median of May 14.
- Its 135-day growing season is longer than 42% of the 244 Idaho places with a regular frost season (state median 138 days).
- The last frost is 24 days later than the zone 6b median of Apr 22. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 6b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 175 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Logan, UT, 56 km away, the last frost here is 8 days later than there and the growing season is 12 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 2 |
| 50% (median) | May 16 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | June 4 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 14 |
| 50% (median) | September 28 |
| 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 Clifton, ID
Clifton, ID frost dates — last frost May 16, first frost Sep 28, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Clifton, ID
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 30 – Jun 13 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 30 – Jun 13 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Apr 25 – May 9 | Apr 18 – May 23 | Aug 3 – Aug 31 |
| Kale | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Apr 18 – May 2 | Apr 18 – May 2 | Jul 20 – Aug 10 |
| Broccoli | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | May 2 – May 16 | — | Jun 22 – Jul 13 |
| Cabbage | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | Jun 22 – Jul 13 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | May 2 – May 16 | — | Jun 22 – Jul 13 |
| Okra | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | Jun 6 – Jun 20 | Jun 6 – Jun 20 | — |
| Basil | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 4 – Apr 25 | Jul 6 – Jul 27 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 4 – Apr 25 | Aug 3 – Aug 24 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 11 – May 23 | Aug 17 – Sep 7 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | May 30 – Jun 6 | May 23 – Jun 6 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | — | May 23 – Jun 6 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | — | May 23 – Jun 6 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | May 30 – Jun 13 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 25 – May 23 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 25 – May 23 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 25 – May 16 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 2 – May 30 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 2 – May 23 | Aug 3 – Aug 24 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 23 – Jun 13 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 23 – Jun 6 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 30 – Jun 20 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 14 – Oct 19 |
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 Preston, ID weather station, 17 km away (elevation 4,718 ft (1,438 m)).
Frost dates near Clifton
- Dayton May 16 · Sep 28
- Swanlake May 31 · Sep 18
- Preston May 16 · Sep 28
- Weston May 16 · Sep 28
- Malad City May 22 · Sep 20
- Downey May 31 · Sep 18
- Franklin May 16 · Sep 28
- Thatcher May 29 · Sep 17
- Arimo May 23 · Sep 24
- Grace May 29 · Sep 17
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Clifton, ID?
The median last spring frost in Clifton, ID is May 16. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after June 4, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Clifton, ID?
The median first fall frost is September 28, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 14.
How long is the growing season in Clifton, ID?
About 135 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Clifton, ID?
Clifton, ID is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.