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Frost dates for Moorhead, Minnesota

In a typical year, Moorhead’s last spring frost lands around May 5 and the first fall frost around Oct 3, 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 Moorhead, Minnesota
OddsLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10 percentApr 23Sep 22
50 percentMay 5Oct 3
90 percentMay 20Oct 18

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 Moorhead is typically around 44°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 Moorhead, Minnesota?

Moorhead’s last spring frost falls around May 5 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by April 23, and one year in ten frost holds on until May 20. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.

When is the first fall frost in Moorhead?

The first fall frost arrives around October 3 in a typical year, as early as September 22 in an early year and as late as October 18 in a late one.

How long is the growing season in Moorhead?

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

What USDA zone is Moorhead in?

Moorhead 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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