Skip to content

Planting zones · Colorado Springs, Colorado

What Planting Zone Is Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs is in USDA zone 5b–6a. Higher than Denver at about 6,200 ft, with nearly half of its roughly 16 in. of precipitation arriving July–September as thunderstorms. Sampled ZIPs run from zone 6a downtown to 5b on the north side (80920).

  • USDA zone (2023)5b–6a
  • Coldest night (avg.)-10 to -5°FZIP 80903
  • Median last frostMay 332°F
  • Median first frostOct 832°F
  • Annual precipitation16 inches
  • Frost-free season158 days

Colorado Springs hardiness zone by ZIP code

On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the ZIP codes we sampled in Colorado Springs fall in zones 5b to 6a; 80903 (zone 6a) has an average annual extreme minimum of -10 to -5°F. Choose perennials, shrubs, and trees rated at least to zone 5 if you live in one of the colder ZIPs.

2023 USDA zone for sampled Colorado Springs ZIP codes
ZIPZoneAvg. coldest night
809036a-10 to -5°F
809116a-10 to -5°F
809186a-10 to -5°F
809205b-15 to -10°F

Not listed? Look up any ZIP code.

Frost dates and when to plant

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport is May 3 and the median first fall frost is Oct 8, a typical frost-free season of about 158 days.

Plant container perennials and shrubs after the median last frost (May 3), or in early fall at least six weeks before the median first frost (Oct 8) so roots can settle in before the ground freezes.

Rainfall and heat in Colorado Springs

Average annual precipitation is 16 inches (Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, 1991–2020), and 47% of it falls July–September in summer thunderstorms. December is the driest month, so new plantings need the most help in late spring before the storms arrive.

The average high in July is about 87°F and the average low in January is about 19°F, measured at about 6,180 ft.

That is why a zone rating alone isn't enough for a xeriscape here: pick plants that are both cold-hardy to zone 5 and rated very low or low water once established.

Low-water plants for Colorado Springs

65 plants in our database are hardy to zone 5 and suited to zone 6. Here are 12, driest first, across plant types.

See all zone 6 plants

Frequently asked questions

What planting zone is Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs, CO is in USDA hardiness zone 5b–6a on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, based on the ZIP codes we sampled (80903: 6a, 80911: 6a, 80918: 6a, 80920: 5b). In 80903, the average coldest night of the year is -10 to -5°F.

When is the last frost in Colorado Springs?

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport is May 3 and the median first fall frost is Oct 8, a typical frost-free season of about 158 days.

How much rain does Colorado Springs get?

Average annual precipitation is 16 inches (Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, 1991–2020), and 47% of it falls July–September in summer thunderstorms. December is the driest month, so new plantings need the most help in late spring before the storms arrive.

Sources

  1. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (USW00093037). ncei.noaa.gov
  2. USDA ARS 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map, by ZIP. planthardiness.ars.usda.gov