Frost Dates for Riverton, WY 82501
Last spring frost May 22 · First fall frost September 22 · 123 frost-free days · USDA Zone 5a
Frost probability for 82501
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | June 6 | May 22 | May 3 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 12 | September 22 | October 3 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (43.1 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Riverton
| 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 | Start 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. |
| April | Start herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable. |
| May | Last frost around May 22. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings. |
| June | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| July | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| August | First fall frost approaching (around September 22). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| September | First frost around September 22. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season. |
| October | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| 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 123-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Riverton, WY (ZIP 82501)?
The median last spring frost date for Riverton, WY (ZIP code 82501) 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 Riverton, WY?
The median first fall frost date for Riverton, WY is around September 22. 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 Riverton, WY?
The frost-free growing season in Riverton is about 123 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 Riverton, WY?
Based on frost date patterns, Riverton falls approximately in 5a. 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 Riverton, WY?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around May 22). For Riverton, that's roughly March 27 to April 10. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Lander, WY 82520 (32.3 mi)
- Frost dates for Casper, WY 82604 (78.1 mi)
- Frost dates for Casper, WY 82601 (96 mi)
- Frost dates for Green River, WY 82935 (117.5 mi)
- Frost dates for Cody, WY 82414 (119.5 mi)
- When to plant in WY
- When to plant Peppers in WY
- When to plant Cucumbers in WY
- When to plant Zucchini in WY
- When to plant Butternut Squash in WY
- When to plant Basil in WY
- When to plant Sweet Corn in WY
- Look up another ZIP