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Frost dates for Dubuque, Iowa

In a typical year, Dubuque’s last spring frost lands around Apr 19 and the first fall frost around Oct 21, a growing season of about 185 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 5a.

Right now the typical frost season has arrived; planting waits for spring.

Last spring frost and first fall frost odds for Dubuque, Iowa
OddsLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10 percentApr 4Oct 7
50 percentApr 19Oct 21
90 percentMay 4Nov 2

A 10 percent year is an early year, a 90 percent year a late one. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the 90 percent side of the last-frost band.

Soil in Dubuque is typically around 50°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.

See what is plantable in your ZIP with the what-to-plant lookup.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Dubuque, Iowa?

Dubuque’s last spring frost falls around April 19 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by April 4, and one year in ten frost holds on until May 4. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.

When is the first fall frost in Dubuque?

The first fall frost arrives around October 21 in a typical year, as early as October 7 in an early year and as late as November 2 in a late one.

How long is the growing season in Dubuque?

About 185 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.

What USDA zone is Dubuque in?

Dubuque is in USDA hardiness zone 5a under the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Dates come from 30-year NOAA climate normals for the nearest reporting station. They describe odds, not a forecast.

Nearby cities

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