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Frost dates for Chicago, Illinois

In a typical year, Chicago’s last spring frost lands around Apr 10 and the first fall frost around Nov 5, a growing season of about 209 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 6a.

Right now the growing season is open, with about 11 days until the typical first fall frost.

Last spring frost and first fall frost odds for Chicago, Illinois
OddsLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10 percentMar 29Oct 24
50 percentApr 10Nov 5
90 percentApr 25Nov 20

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 Chicago is typically around 53°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 Chicago, Illinois?

Chicago’s last spring frost falls around April 10 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by March 29, and one year in ten frost holds on until April 25. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.

When is the first fall frost in Chicago?

The first fall frost arrives around November 5 in a typical year, as early as October 24 in an early year and as late as November 20 in a late one.

How long is the growing season in Chicago?

About 209 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.

What USDA zone is Chicago in?

Chicago 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

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