Frost dates for 60631 — Chicago, IL
How Chicago compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Chicago falls between April 3 and May 1, a 28-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 15 and November 11.
- The median last frost is 1 day earlier than the Illinois median of Apr 17.
- Its 195-day growing season is longer than 76% of the 1,287 Illinois places with a regular frost season (state median 187 days).
- The last frost is 13 days earlier than the zone 6a median of Apr 29. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 6a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 121 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 3 |
| 50% (median) | April 16 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 1 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 15 |
| 50% (median) | October 28 |
| 90% (late) | November 11 |
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 60631 — Chicago, IL — last frost Apr 16, first frost Oct 28, zone 6a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Chicago, IL
| 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 | Sep 2 – Sep 30 |
| Kale | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Aug 19 – Sep 9 |
| Broccoli | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | Jul 22 – Aug 12 |
| Cabbage | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — | Jul 22 – Aug 12 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | Jul 22 – Aug 12 |
| 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 5 – Aug 26 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 5 – Mar 26 | Sep 2 – Sep 23 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 12 – Apr 23 | Sep 16 – Oct 7 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | Apr 30 – May 7 | Apr 23 – May 7 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | — | Apr 23 – May 7 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
| 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 5 – Aug 19 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 23 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 16 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 30 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | Sep 2 – Sep 23 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 23 – May 14 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 23 – May 7 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 30 – May 21 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 14 – Nov 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 Chicago Ohare Intl Ap, IL weather station, 10 km away (elevation 659 ft (201 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
- Park Ridge Apr 16 · Oct 28
- Harwood Heights Apr 16 · Oct 28
- Niles Apr 16 · Oct 28
- Morton Grove Apr 26 · Oct 21
- Lincolnwood Apr 26 · Oct 21
- Schiller Park Apr 16 · Oct 28
- Skokie Apr 26 · Oct 21
- Golf Apr 26 · Oct 21
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Chicago, IL?
The median last spring frost in Chicago, IL is April 16. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 1, 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 October 28, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 15.
How long is the growing season in Chicago, IL?
About 195 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Chicago, IL?
Chicago, IL is in USDA hardiness zone 6a.