Frost dates for 60680 — Chicago, IL
How Chicago compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Chicago falls between March 30 and April 27, a 28-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 20 and November 14.
- The median last frost is 6 days earlier than the Illinois median of Apr 17.
- Its 203-day growing season is longer than 87% of the 1,287 Illinois places with a regular frost season (state median 187 days).
- The last frost is 11 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 106 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 30 |
| 50% (median) | April 11 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 27 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 20 |
| 50% (median) | October 31 |
| 90% (late) | November 14 |
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 60680 — Chicago, IL — last frost Apr 11, first frost Oct 31, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Chicago, IL
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 17 – Jan 31 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Mar 14 – Apr 18 | Sep 5 – Oct 3 |
| Kale | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Aug 22 – Sep 12 |
| Broccoli | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Cabbage | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Okra | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 2 – May 16 | May 2 – May 16 | — |
| Basil | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 28 – Mar 21 | Aug 8 – Aug 29 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 28 – Mar 21 | Sep 5 – Sep 26 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 7 – Apr 18 | Sep 19 – Oct 10 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 2 | Apr 18 – May 2 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | — | Apr 18 – May 2 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | — | Apr 18 – May 2 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 21 – Apr 18 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 21 – Apr 18 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 21 – Apr 11 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 25 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 18 | Sep 5 – Sep 26 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 18 – May 9 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 18 – May 2 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 25 – May 16 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 17 – Nov 21 |
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, IL weather station, 6 km away (elevation 614 ft (187 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
- Oak Lawn Apr 11 · Oct 31
- Cicero Apr 11 · Oct 31
- Berwyn Apr 11 · Oct 31
- Hometown Apr 10 · Nov 1
- Evergreen Park Apr 10 · Nov 1
- Burbank Apr 10 · Nov 1
- Lyons Apr 11 · Oct 31
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Chicago, IL?
The median last spring frost in Chicago, IL is April 11. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 27, 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 31, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 20.
How long is the growing season in Chicago, IL?
About 203 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.