Frost dates for 81230 — Gunnison, CO

Gardening where frost is possible all year

The weather station nearest Gunnison, CO 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 Gunnison 3sw, CO weather station, 4 km away (elevation 7,621 ft (2,323 m)).

ZIP codes in Gunnison: 81230 81231

Frost dates near Gunnison

• Parlin Jun 21 · Sep 5
• Ohio City Jun 21 · Sep 5
• Powderhorn Jun 9 · Sep 16
• Pitkin Jun 20 · Sep 8
• Crested Butte frost any month
• Almont Jun 20 · Sep 8
• Sargents frost any month
• Cimarron Jun 20 · Sep 10

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Gunnison, CO?

Gunnison, CO can freeze in any month, so there is no reliable last frost date. The nearest NOAA station averages 247 nights a year at or below 32°F.

What can I grow in Gunnison, CO?

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.