Frost dates for 64156 — Kansas City, MO
How Kansas City compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Kansas City falls between April 4 and May 3, a 29-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 5 and November 1.
- The median last frost is 6 days later than the Missouri median of Apr 12.
- Its 185-day growing season is longer than 17% of the 938 Missouri places with a regular frost season (state median 195 days).
- The last frost is 11 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 119 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 4 |
| 50% (median) | April 18 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 3 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 5 |
| 50% (median) | October 20 |
| 90% (late) | November 1 |
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 Kansas City, MO
Frost dates for 64156 — Kansas City, MO — last frost Apr 18, first frost Oct 20, zone 6a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Kansas City, MO
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | May 2 – May 16 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | May 2 – May 16 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | Mar 21 – Apr 25 | Aug 25 – Sep 22 |
| Kale | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Aug 11 – Sep 1 |
| Broccoli | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 4 |
| Cabbage | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 4 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 4 |
| Okra | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 9 – May 23 | May 9 – May 23 | — |
| Basil | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 7 – Mar 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 7 – Mar 28 | Aug 25 – Sep 15 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 14 – Apr 25 | Sep 8 – Sep 29 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 21 – Mar 28 | May 2 – May 9 | Apr 25 – May 9 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 21 – Mar 28 | — | Apr 25 – May 9 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 21 – Mar 28 | — | Apr 25 – May 9 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 21 – Mar 28 | May 2 – May 16 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 25 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 25 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 18 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 4 – May 2 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 4 – Apr 25 | Aug 25 – Sep 15 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 25 – May 16 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 25 – May 9 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 2 – May 23 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 6 – Nov 10 |
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 Smithville Lake, MO weather station, 11 km away (elevation 906 ft (276 m)).
ZIP codes in Kansas City: 64101 64102 64105 64106 64108 64109 64110 64111 64112 64113 64114 64116 64117 64118 64119 64120 64121 64123 64124 64125 64126 64127 64128 64129 64130 64131 64132 64133 64134 64136 64137 64138 64139 64141 64144 64145 64146 64147 64148 64149 64151 64152 64153 64154 64155 64156 64157 64158 64161 64162 64163 64164 64165 64166 64167 64168 64170 64171 64179 64180 …
Frost dates near Kansas City
- Liberty Apr 19 · Oct 17
- Smithville Apr 18 · Oct 20
- Riverside Apr 4 · Nov 2
- Kearney Apr 19 · Oct 17
- Mosby Apr 19 · Oct 17
- Holt Apr 19 · Oct 17
- Missouri City Apr 19 · Oct 17
- Trimble Apr 18 · Oct 20
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Kansas City, MO?
The median last spring frost in Kansas City, MO is April 18. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 3, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Kansas City, MO?
The median first fall frost is October 20, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 5.
How long is the growing season in Kansas City, MO?
About 185 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Kansas City, MO?
Kansas City, MO is in USDA hardiness zone 6a.