Elk City, ID frost dates

Gardening where frost is possible all year

The weather station nearest Elk City, ID 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 Elk City 1ne, ID weather station, 6 km away (elevation 4,058 ft (1,237 m)).

Frost dates near Elk City

• Stites Apr 30 · Oct 11
• Grangeville May 9 · Oct 3
• Kooskia Apr 30 · Oct 11
• Warren frost any month
• White Bird May 9 · Oct 3
• Fenn May 9 · Oct 3
• Kamiah Apr 29 · Oct 5
• Lucile May 6 · Oct 9
• Greencreek May 6 · Oct 13
• Cottonwood May 6 · Oct 13

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Elk City, ID?

Elk City, ID can freeze in any month, so there is no reliable last frost date. The nearest NOAA station averages 242 nights a year at or below 32°F.

What can I grow in Elk City, ID?

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.