Frost dates for 60655 — Chicago, IL
How Chicago compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Chicago falls between March 30 and April 26, a 27-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 21 and November 16.
- The median last frost is 7 days earlier than the Illinois median of Apr 17.
- Its 205-day growing season is longer than 90% of the 1,287 Illinois places with a regular frost season (state median 187 days).
- The last frost is 19 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 108 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 30 |
| 50% (median) | April 10 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 26 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 21 |
| 50% (median) | November 1 |
| 90% (late) | November 16 |
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 60655 — Chicago, IL — last frost Apr 10, first frost Nov 1, zone 6a. 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 6 – Oct 4 |
| Kale | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Aug 23 – Sep 13 |
| Broccoli | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | — | Jul 26 – Aug 16 |
| Cabbage | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — | Jul 26 – Aug 16 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | — | Jul 26 – Aug 16 |
| 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 9 – Aug 30 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 27 – Mar 20 | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 6 – Apr 17 | Sep 20 – Oct 11 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 13 – Mar 20 | Apr 24 – May 1 | Apr 17 – May 1 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 13 – Mar 20 | — | Apr 17 – May 1 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| 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 9 – Aug 23 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 17 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 10 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 27 – Apr 24 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 27 – Apr 17 | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 17 – May 8 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 17 – May 1 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 24 – May 15 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 18 – Nov 22 |
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 Midway Ap 3sw, IL weather station, 8 km away (elevation 620 ft (189 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
- Evergreen Park Apr 10 · Nov 1
- Alsip Apr 10 · Nov 1
- Blue Island Apr 10 · Nov 1
- Hometown Apr 10 · Nov 1
- Robbins Apr 10 · Nov 1
- Chicago Ridge Apr 10 · Nov 1
- Crestwood Apr 10 · Nov 1
- Worth Apr 10 · Nov 1
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 26, 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 1, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 21.
How long is the growing season in Chicago, IL?
About 205 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.