Frost dates for Champaign, Illinois
In a typical year, Champaign’s last spring frost lands around Apr 15 and the first fall frost around Oct 24, a growing season of about 192 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 6a.
Right now the typical frost season has arrived; planting waits for spring.
| Odds | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | Apr 1 | Oct 11 |
| 50 percent | Apr 15 | Oct 24 |
| 90 percent | Apr 29 | Nov 5 |
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 Champaign is typically around 53°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.
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Common questions
When is the last frost in Champaign, Illinois?
Champaign’s last spring frost falls around April 15 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by April 1, and one year in ten frost holds on until April 29. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.
When is the first fall frost in Champaign?
The first fall frost arrives around October 24 in a typical year, as early as October 11 in an early year and as late as November 5 in a late one.
How long is the growing season in Champaign?
About 192 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.
What USDA zone is Champaign in?
Champaign is in USDA hardiness zone 6a 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
- Pontiac, IL (around Apr 16 to Oct 24)
- Terre Haute, IN (around Apr 15 to Oct 19)
- Effingham, IL (around Apr 13 to Oct 24)
- Lafayette, IN (around Apr 26 to Oct 18)
- Springfield, IL (around Apr 15 to Oct 22)
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