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Frost dates for Duluth, Minnesota

In a typical year, Duluth’s last spring frost lands around May 14 and the first fall frost around Oct 12, a growing season of about 151 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 4a.

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

Last spring frost and first fall frost odds for Duluth, Minnesota
OddsLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10 percentApr 24Sep 25
50 percentMay 14Oct 12
90 percentJun 1Oct 26

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 Duluth is typically around 44°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.

Plantable now in Duluth

Timing comes from the same temperature engine the app uses, run against Duluth’s normals for today.

See the full what-to-plant lookup

Common questions

When is the last frost in Duluth, Minnesota?

Duluth’s last spring frost falls around May 14 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by April 24, and one year in ten frost holds on until June 1. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.

When is the first fall frost in Duluth?

The first fall frost arrives around October 12 in a typical year, as early as September 25 in an early year and as late as October 26 in a late one.

How long is the growing season in Duluth?

About 151 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.

What USDA zone is Duluth in?

Duluth is in USDA hardiness zone 4a 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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