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Frost dates for Rockford, Illinois

In a typical year, Rockford’s last spring frost lands around Apr 24 and the first fall frost around Oct 17, a growing season of about 176 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 5b.

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

Last spring frost and first fall frost odds for Rockford, Illinois
OddsLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10 percentApr 10Oct 2
50 percentApr 24Oct 17
90 percentMay 8Oct 30

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 Rockford is typically around 51°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 Rockford, Illinois?

Rockford’s last spring frost falls around April 24 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by April 10, and one year in ten frost holds on until May 8. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.

When is the first fall frost in Rockford?

The first fall frost arrives around October 17 in a typical year, as early as October 2 in an early year and as late as October 30 in a late one.

How long is the growing season in Rockford?

About 176 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.

What USDA zone is Rockford in?

Rockford is in USDA hardiness zone 5b 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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