Hayes, SD frost dates
How Hayes compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Hayes falls between April 29 and May 25, a 26-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 13 and October 10.
- The median last frost is 4 days later than the South Dakota median of May 6.
- Its 140-day growing season is longer than 13% of the 363 South Dakota places with a regular frost season (state median 149 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 4b, where the median is May 8.
- The weather station records an average of 170 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 29 |
| 50% (median) | May 10 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 25 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 13 |
| 50% (median) | September 27 |
| 90% (late) | October 10 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Hayes, SD
Hayes, SD frost dates — last frost May 10, first frost Sep 27, zone 4b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Hayes, SD
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 24 – Jun 7 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 24 – Jun 7 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | May 17 – May 31 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | Apr 19 – May 3 | Apr 12 – May 17 | Aug 2 – Aug 30 |
| Kale | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Jul 19 – Aug 9 |
| Broccoli | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | Apr 26 – May 10 | — | Jun 21 – Jul 12 |
| Cabbage | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | Apr 19 – May 3 | — | Jun 21 – Jul 12 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | Apr 26 – May 10 | — | Jun 21 – Jul 12 |
| Okra | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | May 31 – Jun 14 | May 31 – Jun 14 | — |
| Basil | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | May 17 – May 31 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 29 – Apr 19 | Jul 5 – Jul 26 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 29 – Apr 19 | Aug 2 – Aug 23 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 5 – May 17 | Aug 16 – Sep 6 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 12 – Apr 19 | May 24 – May 31 | May 17 – May 31 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 12 – Apr 19 | — | May 17 – May 31 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 12 – Apr 19 | — | May 17 – May 31 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 12 – Apr 19 | May 24 – Jun 7 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 19 – May 17 | Jul 5 – Jul 19 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 19 – May 17 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 19 – May 10 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 26 – May 24 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 26 – May 17 | Aug 2 – Aug 23 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 17 – Jun 7 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 17 – May 31 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 24 – Jun 14 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 13 – Oct 18 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Ft Pierre 17 Wsw, SD weather station, 32 km away (elevation 1,591 ft (485 m)).
Frost dates near Hayes
- Midland May 12 · Sep 28
- Cherry Creek May 6 · Oct 4
- Fort Pierre May 6 · Oct 3
- Okaton May 3 · Oct 9
- Pierre May 6 · Oct 3
- Belvidere May 12 · Sep 28
- Murdo May 3 · Oct 9
- Milesville May 8 · Oct 2
- Philip May 11 · Sep 30
- Draper May 6 · Oct 7
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Hayes, SD?
The median last spring frost in Hayes, SD is May 10. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 25, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Hayes, SD?
The median first fall frost is September 27, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 13.
How long is the growing season in Hayes, SD?
About 140 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Hayes, SD?
Hayes, SD is in USDA hardiness zone 4b.