Frost Dates for Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Last spring frost May 22 · First fall frost September 24 · 125 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6a

Frost probability for 80918

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)June 11May 22May 3
Fall (first frost)September 12September 24October 7

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (56.5 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Colorado Springs, CO

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
80918May 22September 246a
80916May 4October 36a
80906May 4October 36a
80920May 22September 245b
80909May 22September 246a
80911May 4October 36a
80923May 22September 246a
80910May 4October 36a
80922May 22September 246a
80917May 22September 246a
80907May 22September 246a
80919May 22September 245b
80921May 22September 245b
80908May 22September 245b
80915May 22September 246a
80904May 4October 36a
80924May 22September 245b
80925May 4October 36a
80905May 4October 36a
80903May 4October 36a
80902May 4October 36a
80927May 22September 245b
80913May 4October 36a
80951May 21September 226a
80930May 21September 226a
80938May 22September 246a
80926May 4October 36a
80928May 4October 36a
80914May 4October 36a
80929May 21September 226a
80939May 22September 246a

Month by month in Colorado Springs

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryPlan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates.
FebruaryStart the slowest-growing crops indoors: onions, leeks, and celery (10–12 weeks before last frost).
MarchStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around May 22). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost.
AprilStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
MayLast frost around May 22. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
JuneFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
JulySuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
AugustFirst fall frost approaching (around September 24). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
SeptemberFirst frost around September 24. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
OctoberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.
NovemberClean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden.
DecemberClean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden.

What grows in a 125-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Colorado Springs, CO (ZIP 80918)?

The median last spring frost date for Colorado Springs, CO (ZIP code 80918) is around May 22. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.

What is the first fall frost date in Colorado Springs, CO?

The median first fall frost date for Colorado Springs, CO is around September 24. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.

How long is the growing season in Colorado Springs, CO?

The frost-free growing season in Colorado Springs is about 125 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side.

What USDA hardiness zone is Colorado Springs, CO?

Based on frost date patterns, Colorado Springs falls approximately in 6a. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.

When should I start tomatoes indoors in Colorado Springs, CO?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around May 22). For Colorado Springs, that's roughly March 27 to April 10. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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