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Frost dates for Rifle, Colorado

In a typical year, Rifle’s last spring frost lands around May 23 and the first fall frost around Sep 25, a growing season of about 125 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 6a.

Right now the typical frost season has arrived; planting waits for spring.

Last spring frost and first fall frost odds for Rifle, Colorado
OddsLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10 percentMay 9Sep 13
50 percentMay 23Sep 25
90 percentJun 6Oct 6

A 10 percent year is an early year, a 90 percent year a late one. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the 90 percent side of the last-frost band.

Soil in Rifle is typically around 46°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.

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Common questions

When is the last frost in Rifle, Colorado?

Rifle’s last spring frost falls around May 23 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by May 9, and one year in ten frost holds on until June 6. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.

When is the first fall frost in Rifle?

The first fall frost arrives around September 25 in a typical year, as early as September 13 in an early year and as late as October 6 in a late one.

How long is the growing season in Rifle?

About 125 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.

What USDA zone is Rifle in?

Rifle is in USDA hardiness zone 6a under the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Dates come from 30-year NOAA climate normals for the nearest reporting station. They describe odds, not a forecast.

Nearby cities

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