Aurora, MN frost dates

Gardening where frost is possible all year

The weather station nearest Aurora, MN records freezing temperatures in every month often enough that NOAA cannot define a frost-free season. Gardening is still possible — it just means planning for frost at any time:

• Grow fast, cold-tolerant crops: Radishes, Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Peas, Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Garlic.
• Plant once the soil can be worked — usually late spring to early summer at high elevation — and keep row covers ready for clear, still nights.
• Use season extension: cold frames, low tunnels, wall-of-water cloches or a greenhouse turn a few frost-free weeks into a real season.
• Frost-tender crops (tomatoes, squash, beans) need protection all season; choose the earliest varieties you can find.

About these dates

Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Embarrass, MN weather station, 17 km away (elevation 1,424 ft (434 m)).

Frost dates near Aurora

• Hoyt Lakes frost any month
• Biwabik frost any month
• Gilbert May 12 · Oct 1
• Makinen May 12 · Oct 1
• Embarrass frost any month
• Eveleth May 12 · Oct 1
• Virginia May 12 · Oct 1
• Mountain Iron May 12 · Oct 1
• Iron May 12 · Oct 1
• Melrude May 27 · Sep 20

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Aurora, MN?

Aurora, MN can freeze in any month, so there is no reliable last frost date. The nearest NOAA station averages 223 nights a year at or below 32°F.

What can I grow in Aurora, MN?

Fast, cold-tolerant crops such as radishes, lettuce, spinach, kale, peas and potatoes, ideally under row covers, cold frames or a greenhouse. Frost-tender crops like tomatoes need protection all season.