Frost Dates for Durango, CO 81301
Last spring frost July 3 · First fall frost August 27 · 55 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6a
Frost probability for 81301
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | July 23 | July 3 | June 13 |
| Fall (first frost) | August 4 | August 27 | September 19 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (29.6 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Frost dates by ZIP code in Durango, CO
| ZIP | Last spring frost (50%) | First fall frost (50%) | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 81301 | July 3 | August 27 | 6a |
| 81303 | June 10 | September 19 | 6b |
Month by month in Durango
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start the slowest-growing crops indoors: onions, leeks, and celery (10–12 weeks before last frost). |
| March | Organize planting supplies and seed-starting mix. Check stored garden tools. |
| April | Organize planting supplies and seed-starting mix. Check stored garden tools. |
| May | Start peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around July 3). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost. |
| June | Start herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable. |
| July | Last frost around July 3. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings. |
| August | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| September | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| October | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
| November | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
What grows in a 55-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Durango, CO (ZIP 81301)?
The median last spring frost date for Durango, CO (ZIP code 81301) is around July 3. 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 Durango, CO?
The median first fall frost date for Durango, CO is around August 27. 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 Durango, CO?
The frost-free growing season in Durango is about 55 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 Durango, CO?
Based on frost date patterns, Durango 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 Durango, CO?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around July 3). For Durango, that's roughly May 8 to May 22. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
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