Frost dates for 60604 — Chicago, IL
How Chicago compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Chicago falls between March 29 and April 25, a 27-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 24 and November 20.
- The median last frost is 7 days earlier than the Illinois median of Apr 17.
- Its 209-day growing season is longer than 96% of the 1,287 Illinois places with a regular frost season (state median 187 days).
- The last frost is 12 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 97 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 29 |
| 50% (median) | April 10 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 25 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 24 |
| 50% (median) | November 5 |
| 90% (late) | November 20 |
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 Chicago, IL
Frost dates for 60604 — Chicago, IL — last frost Apr 10, first frost Nov 5, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Chicago, IL
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Apr 17 – May 1 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Mar 13 – Apr 17 | Sep 10 – Oct 8 |
| Kale | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Aug 27 – Sep 17 |
| Broccoli | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | — | Jul 30 – Aug 20 |
| Cabbage | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — | Jul 30 – Aug 20 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | — | Jul 30 – Aug 20 |
| Okra | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | May 1 – May 15 | May 1 – May 15 | — |
| Basil | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Apr 17 – May 1 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 27 – Mar 20 | Aug 13 – Sep 3 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 27 – Mar 20 | Sep 10 – Oct 1 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 6 – Apr 17 | Sep 24 – Oct 15 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 13 – Mar 20 | Apr 24 – May 1 | Apr 17 – May 1 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 13 – Mar 20 | — | Apr 17 – May 1 | Aug 27 – Sep 10 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 13 – Mar 20 | — | Apr 17 – May 1 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 13 – Mar 20 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 17 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 17 | Aug 27 – Sep 10 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 10 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 27 – Apr 24 | Aug 27 – Sep 10 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 27 – Apr 17 | Sep 10 – Oct 1 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 17 – May 8 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 17 – May 1 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 24 – May 15 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 22 – Nov 26 |
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 Chicago Northerly Is, IL weather station, 3 km away (elevation 584 ft (178 m)).
ZIP codes in Chicago: 60601 60602 60603 60604 60605 60606 60607 60608 60609 60610 60611 60612 60613 60614 60615 60616 60617 60618 60619 60620 60621 60622 60623 60624 60625 60626 60628 60629 60630 60631 60632 60633 60634 60636 60637 60638 60639 60640 60641 60642 60643 60644 60645 60646 60647 60649 60651 60652 60653 60654 60655 60656 60657 60659 60660 60661 60664 60666 60668 60669 …
Frost dates near Chicago
- Bedford Park Apr 11 · Oct 31
- Cicero Apr 11 · Oct 31
- Oak Park Apr 11 · Oct 31
- Berwyn Apr 11 · Oct 31
- Oak Lawn Apr 11 · Oct 31
- Forest Park Apr 11 · Oct 31
- River Forest Apr 11 · Oct 31
- Elmwood Park Apr 16 · Oct 28
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Chicago, IL?
The median last spring frost in Chicago, IL is April 10. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 25, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Chicago, IL?
The median first fall frost is November 5, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 24.
How long is the growing season in Chicago, IL?
About 209 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Chicago, IL?
Chicago, IL is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.