Frost dates for 45217 — Cincinnati, OH
How Cincinnati compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Cincinnati falls between April 2 and May 3, a 31-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 12 and November 5.
- The median last frost is 8 days earlier than the Ohio median of Apr 24.
- Its 192-day growing season is longer than 87% of the 1,063 Ohio places with a regular frost season (state median 180 days).
- The last frost is 6 days earlier than the zone 6b median of Apr 22. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 6b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 102 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 2 |
| 50% (median) | April 16 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 3 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 12 |
| 50% (median) | October 25 |
| 90% (late) | November 5 |
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 Cincinnati, OH
Frost dates for 45217 — Cincinnati, OH — last frost Apr 16, first frost Oct 25, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Cincinnati, OH
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Mar 19 – Apr 23 | Aug 30 – Sep 27 |
| Kale | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Aug 16 – Sep 6 |
| Broccoli | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 9 |
| Cabbage | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 9 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 9 |
| Okra | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 7 – May 21 | May 7 – May 21 | — |
| Basil | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 5 – Mar 26 | Aug 2 – Aug 23 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 5 – Mar 26 | Aug 30 – Sep 20 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 12 – Apr 23 | Sep 13 – Oct 4 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | Apr 30 – May 7 | Apr 23 – May 7 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | — | Apr 23 – May 7 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | — | Apr 23 – May 7 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 23 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 23 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 16 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 30 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | Aug 30 – Sep 20 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 23 – May 14 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 23 – May 7 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 30 – May 21 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 11 – Nov 15 |
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 Cincinnati Lunken Ap, OH weather station, 10 km away (elevation 489 ft (149 m)).
ZIP codes in Cincinnati: 45201 45202 45203 45204 45205 45206 45207 45208 45209 45211 45212 45213 45214 45215 45216 45217 45218 45219 45220 45221 45222 45223 45224 45225 45226 45227 45229 45230 45231 45232 45233 45234 45235 45236 45237 45238 45239 45240 45241 45242 45243 45244 45245 45246 45247 45248 45249 45250 45251 45252 45253 45254 45255 45258 45262 45263 45264 45267 45268 45269 …
Frost dates near Cincinnati
- Mount Saint Joseph Apr 13 · Oct 31
- Terrace Park Apr 23 · Oct 18
- Miamiville Apr 23 · Oct 18
- Camp Dennison Apr 23 · Oct 18
- Addyston Apr 13 · Oct 31
- Miamitown Apr 16 · Oct 28
- North Bend Apr 16 · Oct 28
- West Chester Apr 22 · Oct 18
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Cincinnati, OH?
The median last spring frost in Cincinnati, OH is April 16. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 3, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Cincinnati, OH?
The median first fall frost is October 25, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 12.
How long is the growing season in Cincinnati, OH?
About 192 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Cincinnati, OH?
Cincinnati, OH is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.