Frost dates for 60645 — Chicago, IL
How Chicago compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Chicago falls between April 11 and May 11, a 30-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 5 and November 2.
- The median last frost is 9 days later than the Illinois median of Apr 17.
- Its 178-day growing season is longer than 24% of the 1,287 Illinois places with a regular frost season (state median 187 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 6a, where the median is Apr 29.
- The weather station records an average of 128 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 11 |
| 50% (median) | April 26 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 11 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 5 |
| 50% (median) | October 21 |
| 90% (late) | November 2 |
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 60645 — Chicago, IL — last frost Apr 26, first frost Oct 21, zone 6a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Chicago, IL
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 1 – Feb 15 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | May 10 – May 24 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | May 10 – May 24 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 3 – May 17 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Mar 29 – May 3 | Aug 26 – Sep 23 |
| Kale | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Broccoli | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Cabbage | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Okra | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | May 17 – May 31 | May 17 – May 31 | — |
| Basil | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | May 3 – May 17 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 15 – Apr 5 | Jul 29 – Aug 19 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 15 – Apr 5 | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 22 – May 3 | Sep 9 – Sep 30 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | May 10 – May 17 | May 3 – May 17 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | — | May 3 – May 17 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | — | May 3 – May 17 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | May 10 – May 24 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 5 – May 3 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 5 – May 3 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 5 – Apr 26 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 12 – May 10 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 12 – May 3 | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 3 – May 24 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 3 – May 17 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 10 – May 31 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 7 – Nov 11 |
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 Botanic Garden, IL weather station, 16 km away (elevation 630 ft (192 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
- Lincolnwood Apr 26 · Oct 21
- Evanston Apr 26 · Oct 21
- Skokie Apr 26 · Oct 21
- Wilmette Apr 26 · Oct 21
- Morton Grove Apr 26 · Oct 21
- Kenilworth Apr 26 · Oct 21
- Golf Apr 26 · Oct 21
- Niles 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 26. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 11, 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 21, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 5.
How long is the growing season in Chicago, IL?
About 178 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.