Frost Dates for Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Last spring frost June 19 · First fall frost September 9 · 82 frost-free days · USDA Zone 5b
ZIP 80487 has about 18,500 people.
Short season: 82 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans June 4–July 4 (30 days). Fall frost risk spans August 22–September 26 (35 days).
Frost probability for 80487
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | July 4 | June 19 | June 4 |
| Fall (first frost) | August 22 | September 9 | September 26 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at YAMPA (48.0 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 82-day season in Steamboat Springs
In Steamboat Springs (82 frost-free days, a short season), 27 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 10 get two plantings, 5 need an indoor start, 2 need a faster variety, 11 don't reliably mature, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | May 15 | Jul 3–Jul 10 | 40 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Steamboat Springs has 40 after Jul 3. | — |
| Pepper | May 8 | Jul 3–Jul 10 | 40 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Steamboat Springs has 40 after Jul 3. | — |
| Lettuce | Apr 24 | May 22–May 29 | 117 | two-plantings: Plant May 22 and again by Jul 19; both mature before Sep 16. | Jul 19 |
| Carrots | — | May 29–Jun 5 | 124 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 124 available after May 29. | Jul 8 |
| Cucumber | May 29 | Jul 3–Jul 10 | 54 | head-start: Even planted out Jul 3, the outdoor season is about 6 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Beans | — | Jun 26–Jul 10 | 68 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 68 available after Jun 26. | — |
| Peas | — | Apr 24–Jul 3 | 145 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 145 available after Apr 24. | Jun 29 |
| Zucchini | Jun 5 | Jul 3–Jul 10 | 54 | head-start: Even planted out Jul 3, the outdoor season is about 1 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Onion | Mar 27 | May 22–Jun 5 | 117 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 117 available after May 22. | — |
| Spinach | — | Apr 24–Jun 12 | 159 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Sep 30. | Aug 7 |
| Kale | Apr 10 | May 22–Jun 5 | 131 | two-plantings: Plant May 22 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 23 |
| Broccoli | Apr 24 | May 22–Jun 5 | 117 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 117 available after May 22. | Jun 14 |
| Cabbage | Apr 24 | May 22–Jun 5 | 131 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 131 available after May 22. | Jul 8 |
| Radish | — | Apr 24–Jul 17 | 145 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 8; both mature before Sep 16. | Aug 8 |
| Beets | — | Apr 24–Jul 17 | 145 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Jul 9; both mature before Sep 16. | Jul 9 |
| Potatoes | — | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 103 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 103 available after Jun 5. | — |
| Garlic | — | Sep 9 | 187 | overwinter: Plant Sep 9 to Sep 30; harvest the following summer. | Sep 30 |
| Strawberry | — | May 15–Jul 10 | 138 | perennial: A perennial: plant May 15; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | May 22 | Jun 26–Jul 3 | 54 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 26, the outdoor season is about 21 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Pumpkin | Jun 5 | Jul 3–Jul 3 | 47 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Steamboat Springs has 47 after Jul 3. | — |
| Cauliflower | May 8 | Jun 12–Jun 26 | 96 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 96 available after Jun 12. | Jun 19 |
| Swiss Chard | Apr 24 | Jun 5–Jun 5 | 103 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 103 available after Jun 5. | Jul 9 |
| Arugula | — | Apr 24–Jul 17 | 159 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Sep 30. | Aug 7 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Apr 24 | May 22–Jun 5 | 131 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 131 available after May 22. | Jun 8 |
| Butternut Squash | Jun 5 | Jul 3–Jul 10 | 47 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Steamboat Springs has 47 after Jul 3. | — |
| Eggplant | May 1 | Jul 3–Jul 10 | 40 | no-fit: Needs 70 days; Steamboat Springs has 40 after Jul 3. | — |
| Okra | May 22 | Jun 26–Jul 3 | 61 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 61 available after Jun 26. | — |
| Basil | May 15 | Jul 10–Jul 10 | 47 | head-start: Even planted out Jul 10, the outdoor season is about 13 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Cilantro | — | May 22–Jun 12 | 117 | two-plantings: Plant May 22 and again by Jul 14; both mature before Sep 16. | Jul 14 |
| Parsley | Apr 10 | Jun 26–Jul 3 | 82 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 82 available after Jun 26. | — |
| Celery | Apr 10 | Jun 26–Jul 10 | 82 | no-fit: Needs 120 days; Steamboat Springs has 82 after Jun 26. | — |
| Scallions | Apr 10 | May 22–Jun 5 | 131 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 131 available after May 22. | Jul 18 |
| Turnip | — | May 22–Jun 5 | 131 | two-plantings: Plant May 22 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 28 |
| Kohlrabi | — | May 8–May 22 | 145 | two-plantings: Plant May 8 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 23 |
| Bok Choy | May 22 | Jun 12–Jun 19 | 96 | fits: 45 days to maturity, 96 available after Jun 12. | Jul 19 |
| Collards | Apr 10 | May 22–Jun 5 | 131 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 131 available after May 22. | Jul 18 |
| Cantaloupe | Jun 5 | Jul 3–Jul 10 | 40 | no-fit: Needs 85 days; Steamboat Springs has 40 after Jul 3. | — |
| Chives | Mar 27 | Jun 26–Jul 3 | 96 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 96 available after Jun 26. | — |
| Dill | — | Apr 24–Jul 17 | 145 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Jul 9; both mature before Sep 16. | Jul 9 |
| Oregano | Apr 10 | Jun 26–Jul 3 | 96 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 96 available after Jun 26. | — |
| Rosemary | Mar 27 | Jun 26–Jul 3 | 82 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 82 available after Jun 26. | — |
| Sage | Apr 24 | Jun 26–Jul 3 | 96 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 96 available after Jun 26. | — |
| Thyme | Apr 10 | Jun 26–Jul 3 | 96 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 96 available after Jun 26. | — |
| Calendula | May 8 | Jun 5–Jun 19 | 103 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 103 available after Jun 5. | Jul 14 |
| Cosmos | May 22 | Jun 19–Jul 3 | 68 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 68 available after Jun 19. | — |
| Lavender | Mar 27 | Jun 19–Jul 3 | 103 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 103 available after Jun 19. | — |
| Marigolds | May 8 | Jun 19–Jun 26 | 68 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 68 available after Jun 19. | Jun 23 |
| Melons | Jun 5 | Jul 3–Jul 10 | 40 | no-fit: Needs 85 days; Steamboat Springs has 40 after Jul 3. | — |
| Mint | — | Jun 19–Jul 3 | 103 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 103 available after Jun 19. | — |
| Nasturtiums | May 22 | Jun 19–Jun 26 | 68 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 68 available after Jun 19. | — |
| Pole Beans | — | Jun 26–Jul 10 | 61 | tight: Direct-sow only; pick a variety under 61 days. | — |
| Spaghetti Squash | Jun 5 | Jul 3–Jul 10 | 47 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Steamboat Springs has 47 after Jul 3. | — |
| Sunflowers | — | Jun 19–Jul 3 | 68 | tight: Direct-sow only; pick a variety under 68 days. | — |
| Tomatillos | Apr 24 | Jun 26–Jul 3 | 47 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Steamboat Springs has 47 after Jun 26. | — |
| Watermelon | Jun 5 | Jun 26–Jul 3 | 47 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Steamboat Springs has 47 after Jun 26. | — |
| Yellow Squash | Jun 5 | Jul 3–Jul 10 | 54 | head-start: Even planted out Jul 3, the outdoor season is about 1 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Zinnias | May 22 | Jun 19–Jul 3 | 68 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 68 available after Jun 19. | — |
Month by month in Steamboat Springs
| 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 indoors: Chives (Mar 27), Lavender (Mar 27), Onion (Mar 27), Rosemary (Mar 27). |
| April | Start indoors: Celery (Apr 10), Collards (Apr 10), Kale (Apr 10), Oregano (Apr 10), Parsley (Apr 10), Scallions (Apr 10), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Apr 24), Beets (Apr 24), Dill (Apr 24), Peas (Apr 24), Radish (Apr 24), Spinach (Apr 24). |
| May | Start indoors: Eggplant (May 1), Calendula (May 8), Cauliflower (May 8), Marigolds (May 8), Pepper (May 8), Basil (May 15), +8 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (May 8), Cilantro (May 22), Turnip (May 22), Carrots (May 29). Transplant from: Broccoli (May 22), Brussel Sprouts (May 22), Cabbage (May 22), Collards (May 22), Kale (May 22), Lettuce (May 22), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (May 15). |
| June | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (Jun 5), Cantaloupe (Jun 5), Melons (Jun 5), Pumpkin (Jun 5), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 5), Watermelon (Jun 5), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (Jun 5), Sunflowers (Jun 19), Beans (Jun 26), Pole Beans (Jun 26). Transplant from: Calendula (Jun 5), Swiss Chard (Jun 5), Bok Choy (Jun 12), Cauliflower (Jun 12), Cosmos (Jun 19), Lavender (Jun 19), +15 more. Last frost around June 19. Last sowing dates: Brussel Sprouts (Jun 8), Broccoli (Jun 14), Cauliflower (Jun 19), Marigolds (Jun 23), Peas (Jun 29). |
| July | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (Jul 3), Cantaloupe (Jul 3), Cucumber (Jul 3), Eggplant (Jul 3), Melons (Jul 3), Pepper (Jul 3), +6 more. Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Jul 8), Carrots (Jul 8), Beets (Jul 9), Dill (Jul 9), Swiss Chard (Jul 9), Calendula (Jul 14), +8 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Aug 7), Spinach (Aug 7), Radish (Aug 8). |
| September | Direct sow from: Garlic (Sep 9). First frost around September 9. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Sep 30). |
| 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Steamboat Springs, CO (ZIP 80487)?
The median last spring frost date for Steamboat Springs, CO (ZIP code 80487) is around June 19. 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. One year in ten frost ends before June 4; one in ten it runs past July 4.
What is the first fall frost date in Steamboat Springs, CO?
The median first fall frost date for Steamboat Springs, CO is around September 9. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around August 22 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Steamboat Springs, CO?
The frost-free growing season in Steamboat Springs is about 82 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. In Steamboat Springs (82 frost-free days, a short season), 27 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 10 get two plantings, 5 need an indoor start, 2 need a faster variety, 11 don't reliably mature, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Steamboat Springs, CO?
Steamboat Springs, CO is in USDA hardiness zone 5b (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Steamboat Springs, CO?
Start tomatoes indoors May 15 and plant out Jul 3 in Steamboat Springs. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Steamboat Springs?
Two: plant May 22 and again by Jul 19; both mature before Sep 16.
When do I plant garlic in Steamboat Springs?
Sep 9 to Sep 30; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I grow Celery in Steamboat Springs?
Not reliably outdoors. Needs 120 days; Steamboat Springs has 82 after Jun 26.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Craig (ZIP 81625) has 90 frost-free days, 8 more than Steamboat Springs (ZIP 80487). See Craig ZIP 81625 frost dates
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