When is the last frost in Vail, CO?

For ZIP code 81657, the average last spring frost (32°F) is June 21, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Vail, CO weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after July 9.

When is the first frost in Vail, CO?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is September 7. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by August 26, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 81657?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 77 days long.

Are these frost dates a forecast?

No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.

Frost dates for 81657Vail, CO

The average last spring frost in Vail is June 21 and the average first fall frost is September 7, giving a typical growing season of about 77 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jun 21
Average first fall frost: Sep 7
Growing season: 77 days

Frost risk by date

NOAA reports frost dates as probabilities. The middle date is the average (a 50% chance). For spring, the 10% date is a safer planting date: frost after it happens in about 1 year in 10. Light frost (36°F) can damage tender plants; a hard freeze (28°F) kills most annuals.

Spring dates: chance of a frost AFTER the date. Fall dates: chance of a frost BEFORE the date.
Temperature	Last spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chance	First fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chance	Growing season (50%)	Years with at least one
Light frost (36°F)	—	—	40 days	100%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Jun 8 · Jun 21 · Jul 9	Aug 26 · Sep 7 · Sep 20	77 days	100%
Hard freeze (28°F)	May 16 · May 31 · Jun 18	Sep 7 · Sep 21 · Oct 2	109 days	100%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 81657 is matched to the NOAA station Vail, CO, 2.9 km away, at 8,305 ft elevation (305 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Vail, CO (used)	8,305 ft	Jun 21	Sep 7
Dillon 1 E, CO	9,065 ft	—	—
Green Mt Dam, CO	7,741 ft	Jun 6	Sep 14
Climax, CO	11,345 ft	—	—

Frost dates near Vail

Minturn, CO 81645 · last Jun 21, first Sep 7
Vail, CO 81658 · last Jun 6, first Sep 14
Silverthorne, CO 80498 · last —, first —
Red Cliff, CO 81649 · last Jun 21, first Sep 7
Avon, CO 81620 · last Jun 6, first Sep 14
Frisco, CO 80443 · last —, first —
Edwards, CO 81632 · last —, first —
Dillon, CO 80435 · last —, first —

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Vail, CO?: For ZIP code 81657, the average last spring frost (32°F) is June 21, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Vail, CO weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after July 9.
When is the first frost in Vail, CO?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is September 7. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by August 26, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 81657?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 77 days long.
Are these frost dates a forecast?: No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.