Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for 81641 — Meeker, CO

ZIP code 81641 (Meeker, Rio Blanco County) is in USDA zone 5b: the coldest winter night averages −15 to −10 °F. The median last spring frost is May 30 and the first fall frost September 22.

Where ZIP 81641 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone5b−15 to −10 °F

Coldest night−26.1 to −23.3 °C

Last frostMay 30

First frostSep 22

2012 zone5a

Was 5a on the 2012 map — half a zone warmer now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 5b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Meeker, CO…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Meeker, CO

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostMay 30median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsJune 13only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 22median — 10% chance by Sep 10

Growing season117 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 12 and returns around October 1.

From the NOAA station Meeker Airport, CO — 6 miles away, elevation 6,391 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in 81641

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 18 – May 2

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 18 – May 9

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 21 – Apr 4

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · May 9 – May 23

Onion setsPlant outdoors · May 2 – May 16

PotatoesPlant outdoors · May 9 – May 23

LettuceSow outdoors · May 2 – May 16

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · May 9 – May 23

TomatoesStart indoors · Apr 4 – Apr 18

TomatoesTransplant · Jun 6 – Jun 20

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 21 – Apr 4

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Jun 13 – Jun 27

BeansSow outdoors · Jun 6 – Jun 20

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Jun 6 – Jun 20

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Jun 6 – Jun 20

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Jul 28 – Aug 11

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 8 – Oct 13

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 30) and first fall frost (Sep 22) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 81641 came on Mar 25 — 29 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 23).

average
Apr 232026
Mar 25

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Native plants for zone 5b in Colorado

546 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Colorado, and rated by the USDA to survive −15 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 5b. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Meeker, CO.

Soil in Meeker, CO

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 81641 is Owen Creek — loam, well drained.

TextureLoama good balance for most vegetables

pH7.2neutral; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter2.5%moderate

Hydrologic groupDwater soaks in very slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Owen Creek-Jerry-Burnette loams, 5 to 35 percent slopes.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 81641; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Meeker, CO

Summer high87 °Faverage high, July

Winter low8 °Faverage low, January

Hot days21days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights202nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days1,931base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 02 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 19 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growLong-daysummer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too)

Precipitation15.3 inper year, rain and melted snow

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Meeker Airport, CO (6 mi away); precipitation: Meeker Airport, CO (6 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

6 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

New Castle, CO · 40 mi

816255a

Craig, CO · 41 mi

816356a

Parachute, CO · 42 mi

816016a

Glenwood Springs, CO · 44 mi

Colorado planting zones →

Questions about 81641

What planting zone is ZIP code 81641?

ZIP code 81641 (Meeker, CO) is in USDA hardiness zone 5b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −15 to −10 °F (−26.1 to −23.3 °C).

When is the last frost in Meeker, CO?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 81641 is May 30; after June 13 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Meeker Airport station.

When is the first frost in Meeker, CO?

The median first fall frost near 81641 is September 22, giving a median frost-free growing season of 117 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 81641?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Apr 4 – Apr 18 and set transplants outside around Jun 6 – Jun 20, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 81641 get?

About 15.3 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Meeker Airport station).

How hot do summers get in Meeker, CO?

The average high peaks at 87 °F in July, with about 21 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 81641 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Owen Creek at the center of ZIP 81641: loam, well drained, pH about 7.2 (neutral).

Did spring come early in Meeker, CO in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 81641 came on Mar 25 in 2026, 29 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 23), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Meeker, CO?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 81641 is 15 h 02 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 81641 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 81641 in zone 5a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 5b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.