Frost dates for 80938 — Colorado Springs, CO
How Colorado Springs compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Colorado Springs falls between April 28 and May 20, a 22-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 27 and October 16.
- The median last frost is 2 days earlier than the Colorado median of May 11.
- Its 150-day growing season is longer than 55% of the 374 Colorado places with a regular frost season (state median 146 days).
- The last frost is 10 days later than the zone 6a median of Apr 29. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 6a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 180 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Denver, CO, 97 km away, the last frost here is 9 days later than there and the growing season is 15 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 28 |
| 50% (median) | May 9 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 20 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 27 |
| 50% (median) | October 6 |
| 90% (late) | October 16 |
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 Colorado Springs, CO
Frost dates for 80938 — Colorado Springs, CO — last frost May 9, first frost Oct 6, zone 6a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Colorado Springs, CO
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | May 16 – May 30 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 18 – May 2 | Apr 11 – May 16 | Aug 11 – Sep 8 |
| Kale | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Broccoli | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | Jun 30 – Jul 21 |
| Cabbage | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | Jun 30 – Jul 21 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | Jun 30 – Jul 21 |
| Okra | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | May 30 – Jun 13 | May 30 – Jun 13 | — |
| Basil | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | May 16 – May 30 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 18 | Jul 14 – Aug 4 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 18 | Aug 11 – Sep 1 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 4 – May 16 | Aug 25 – Sep 15 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | May 23 – May 30 | May 16 – May 30 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | — | May 16 – May 30 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | — | May 16 – May 30 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 18 – May 16 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 18 – May 16 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 18 – May 9 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 25 – May 23 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 25 – May 16 | Aug 11 – Sep 1 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 16 – Jun 6 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 16 – May 30 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 23 – Jun 13 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 22 – Oct 27 |
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 Cumbre Vista - Colorado Spgs, CO weather station, 6 km away (elevation 6,942 ft (2,116 m)).
ZIP codes in Colorado Springs: 80901 80902 80903 80904 80905 80906 80907 80908 80909 80910 80911 80912 80913 80914 80915 80916 80917 80918 80919 80920 80921 80922 80923 80924 80925 80926 80927 80928 80929 80930 80931 80932 80933 80934 80935 80936 80937 80938 80939 80941 80942 80944 80946 80947 80949 80950 80951 80960 80962 80970 80977 80995 80997
Frost dates near Colorado Springs
- Peyton May 9 · Oct 6
- Manitou Springs Jun 3 · Sep 17
- Elbert May 29 · Sep 21
- Fountain May 3 · Oct 8
- Cascade Jun 3 · Sep 17
- Monument May 14 · Oct 1
- Calhan May 6 · Oct 3
- Green Mountain Falls Jun 3 · Sep 17
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Colorado Springs, CO?
The median last spring frost in Colorado Springs, CO is May 9. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 20, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Colorado Springs, CO?
The median first fall frost is October 6, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 27.
How long is the growing season in Colorado Springs, CO?
About 150 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Colorado Springs, CO?
Colorado Springs, CO is in USDA hardiness zone 6a.