Last spring frost
Jun 14
Frost Dates for Chama, CO
First fall frost
Sep 18
Growing season
93 days
Hardiness zone
5b
In an average year around Chama, CO, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jun 14 and the first fall frost is about Sep 18, giving roughly a 93-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jun 1 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 30 | Jun 14 | Jun 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Jun 17 | Jun 1 | May 16 |
| Severe (24°F) | Jun 4 | May 16 | Apr 30 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F | Jun 30 | Jun 25 | Jun 21 | Jun 18 | Jun 14 | Jun 11 | Jun 8 | Jun 5 | Jun 1 |
| 28°F | Jun 17 | Jun 12 | Jun 7 | Jun 4 | Jun 1 | May 30 | May 26 | May 21 | May 16 |
| 24°F | Jun 4 | May 30 | May 25 | May 20 | May 16 | May 12 | May 9 | May 4 | Apr 30 |
| 20°F | May 19 | May 12 | May 7 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 16 |
| 16°F | May 4 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 3 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 7 | Sep 18 | Sep 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 14 | Sep 26 | Oct 8 |
| Severe (24°F) | Sep 22 | Oct 4 | Oct 17 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F | Sep 7 | Sep 11 | Sep 14 | Sep 16 | Sep 18 | Sep 21 | Sep 23 | Sep 25 | Sep 29 |
| 28°F | Sep 14 | Sep 19 | Sep 22 | Sep 24 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 8 |
| 24°F | Sep 22 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 6 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 17 |
| 20°F | Sep 29 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 |
| 16°F | Oct 4 | Oct 11 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 3 | Nov 8 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Chama, Nm, about 11.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 7,850 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Chama, CO?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Chama, CO is about Jun 14. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jun 1.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Chama, CO typically arrives about Sep 18. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Jun 14 on average, or Jun 1 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 93 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 81128 Planting calendar → Colorado frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026