Last frost date in Lakewood, CO
In Lakewood, the last spring frost comes around May 3 in an average year. Wait until May 18 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 7, which leaves 155 frost-free days. An early freeze before September 24 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 18
- Average first frost
- Oct 7
- Frost-free season
- 155 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 22
Frost possible in low spots Mon night, low 36°F
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2254°
- FriOct 2346°
- SatOct 2439°
- SunOct 2538°
- MonOct 2636°possible frost
- TueOct 2737°
- WedOct 2838°
Planting calendar for Lakewood
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Colorado.
TomatoesMay 10–May 24
PumpkinsMay 17–May 31
SunflowersMay 3–May 24
CucumbersMay 17–May 24
CornMay 10–May 24
Sweet potatoesMay 24–Jun 7
WatermelonMay 17–May 31
Green beansMay 10–May 31
ZucchiniMay 10–May 24
OkraMay 24–Jun 7
PeppersMay 17–May 31
BasilMay 10–May 24
Butternut squashMay 10–May 24
CantaloupeMay 17–May 31
EggplantMay 17–May 31
PotatoesApr 5–Apr 19
OnionsMar 22–Apr 12
CarrotsApr 12–May 17
LettuceApr 19–May 10
BroccoliApr 5–Apr 19
BeetsApr 5–May 17
PeasMar 22–Apr 5
CabbageApr 5–Apr 19
RadishesMar 29–May 10
Brussels sproutsApr 19–May 3
SpinachMar 22–Apr 12
CilantroApr 19–May 10
KaleApr 5–Apr 19
Collard greensApr 5–Apr 19
TurnipsApr 5–Apr 19
DillMay 3–May 17
CeleryMay 10–May 17
CauliflowerApr 19–May 3
LeeksApr 19–May 3
Swiss chardApr 19–May 17
ParsleyApr 19–May 10
Tulip bulbsSep 23–Oct 28
GarlicSep 16–Oct 21
Daffodil bulbsSep 9–Oct 21
StrawberriesApr 5–Apr 19
AsparagusApr 5–Apr 19Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 19 | May 3 | May 18 | Sep 24 | Oct 7 | Oct 21 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 5 | Apr 22 | May 7 | Oct 1 | Oct 16 | Oct 30 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Lakewood (USC00054762) sits 3.5 miles from the center of Lakewood at 5,640 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Lakewood, CO?
The average last frost date in Lakewood is May 3, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 18.
When is the first frost in Lakewood?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 7. One year in ten it arrives before September 24.
How long is the growing season in Lakewood?
About 155 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Lakewood?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 10 to May 24. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Colorado
- Wheat RidgeMay 5
- EnglewoodMay 2
- LittletonMay 2
- ArvadaMay 5
- Four Square MileMay 7
- WestminsterMay 2
- DenverMay 4
- CentennialMay 5
- NorthglennMay 2
- ThorntonMay 2
- BroomfieldMay 2
- LouisvilleMay 6