Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Climax, CO

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the spring

As spring unfolds, the risk of frost gradually decreases each day until your tender plants are finally safe. The probabilities shown in the chart help you make smart decisions about when to plant.

While frost typically forms at 32°F, tender plants can be damaged even when temperatures are slightly higher. Air temperatures are often measured several feet above the ground, but temperatures at plant level can be several degrees colder. Protected areas like porches help by blocking radiational cooling. Given these variables, we consider 36°F the "caution zone" for frost-sensitive plants.

Key dates for your spring planting:

  • By August 3, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around July 23, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before July 17, there's still an 80% risk of frost — too early for tomatoes and other tender plants unless you're prepared to protect them

If the 10-day forecast shows no temperatures below 40°F, you might safely plant earlier than the above dates suggest. Many gardeners watch for this weather window to get a head start on the growing season.

In the Spring
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
Last 16° Jun 11 Jun 4 May 30 May 25 May 21 May 17 May 12 May 7 Apr 30
Last 20° Jun 25 Jun 17 Jun 12 Jun 7 Jun 3 May 29 May 25 May 19 May 12
Last 24° Jul 5 Jun 28 Jun 23 Jun 19 Jun 15 Jun 11 Jun 7 Jun 2 May 26
Last 28° Jul 15 Jul 7 Jul 2 Jun 27 Jun 23 Jun 19 Jun 14 Jun 9 Jun 2
Last 32° Jul 28 Jul 21 Jul 16 Jul 11 Jul 7 Jul 3 Jun 29 Jun 24 Jun 17
Last 36° Aug 3 Jul 30 Jul 28 Jul 25 Jul 23 Jul 21 Jul 19 Jul 17 Jul 13

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Climax, CO, nighttime temperatures begin to drop, and your risk of frost increases with each passing day. Knowing when to expect frost helps you harvest sensitive crops and extend your growing season with protection methods.

The chart below shows the probability of experiencing specific temperatures on various dates. Here's what this means for your garden:

1
Early warning: Around August 11, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By August 22, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By September 1, there's an 80% chance of seeing 32°F — most tender plants will be damaged without protection
4
Another perspective: You have only a 1 in 5 chance of making it past September 1 without a freezing night

These probabilities help you time your end-of-season harvests and know when to apply protective measures like row covers, cloches, or cold frames to extend your harvest.

In the Fall
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
First 16° Sep 17 Sep 23 Sep 27 Oct 1 Oct 4 Oct 7 Oct 11 Oct 15 Oct 21
First 20° Sep 13 Sep 18 Sep 22 Sep 25 Sep 28 Oct 1 Oct 4 Oct 8 Oct 13
First 24° Sep 2 Sep 7 Sep 11 Sep 15 Sep 18 Sep 21 Sep 24 Sep 28 Oct 3
First 28° Aug 20 Aug 25 Aug 29 Sep 2 Sep 5 Sep 8 Sep 11 Sep 15 Sep 21
First 32° Aug 6 Aug 11 Aug 15 Aug 18 Aug 22 Aug 25 Aug 28 Sep 1 Sep 7
First 36° Jul 28 Jul 31 Aug 3 Aug 5 Aug 7 Aug 9 Aug 11 Aug 14 Aug 18

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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Data is provided by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.