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Frost dates for Mankato, Minnesota

In a typical year, Mankato’s last spring frost lands around Apr 30 and the first fall frost around Oct 9, a growing season of about 162 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 Mankato, Minnesota
OddsLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10 percentApr 16Sep 25
50 percentApr 30Oct 9
90 percentMay 12Oct 22

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 Mankato is typically around 47°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 Mankato, Minnesota?

Mankato’s last spring frost falls around April 30 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by April 16, and one year in ten frost holds on until May 12. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.

When is the first fall frost in Mankato?

The first fall frost arrives around October 9 in a typical year, as early as September 25 in an early year and as late as October 22 in a late one.

How long is the growing season in Mankato?

About 162 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.

What USDA zone is Mankato in?

Mankato 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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