Last spring frost
May 6
Frost Dates for Cortez, CO
First fall frost
Oct 14
Growing season
158 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Cortez, CO, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 6 and the first fall frost is about Oct 14, giving roughly a 158-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 22 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%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Jun 5 | May 19 | Apr 30 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 27 | May 6 | Apr 22 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 14 | Apr 26 | Apr 7 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 2 | Apr 15 | Mar 20 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 5 | May 31 | May 27 | May 23 | May 19 | May 15 | May 12 | May 6 | Apr 30 |
| 32°F | May 27 | May 20 | May 14 | May 11 | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 |
| 28°F | May 14 | May 7 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 14 | Apr 7 |
| 24°F | May 2 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 20 |
| 20°F | Apr 19 | Apr 14 | Apr 8 | Apr 2 | Mar 27 | Mar 19 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 |
| 16°F | Apr 3 | Mar 23 | Mar 14 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 12 |
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%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Sep 22 | Oct 4 | Oct 20 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 30 | Oct 14 | Nov 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 7 | Oct 27 | Nov 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 17 | Nov 6 | Nov 24 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 22 | Sep 27 | Sep 30 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 15 | Oct 20 |
| 32°F | Sep 30 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 10 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 27 | Nov 2 |
| 28°F | Oct 7 | Oct 13 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 13 |
| 24°F | Oct 17 | Oct 25 | Oct 30 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 24 |
| 20°F | Oct 28 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 3 |
| 16°F | Nov 4 | Nov 11 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 |
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: Cortez 8 Se, Co, about 2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 8,034 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 Cortez, CO?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Cortez, CO is about May 6. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 22.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Cortez, CO typically arrives about Oct 14. 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 May 6 on average, or Apr 22 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 158 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 81330 Planting calendar → Colorado frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026