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Frost dates for Cape Girardeau, Missouri

In a typical year, Cape Girardeau’s last spring frost lands around Apr 5 and the first fall frost around Oct 25, a growing season of about 203 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 7a.

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

Last spring frost and first fall frost odds for Cape Girardeau, Missouri
OddsLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10 percentMar 19Oct 12
50 percentApr 5Oct 25
90 percentApr 21Nov 6

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 Cape Girardeau is typically around 57°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 Cape Girardeau, Missouri?

Cape Girardeau’s last spring frost falls around April 5 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by March 19, and one year in ten frost holds on until April 21. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.

When is the first fall frost in Cape Girardeau?

The first fall frost arrives around October 25 in a typical year, as early as October 12 in an early year and as late as November 6 in a late one.

How long is the growing season in Cape Girardeau?

About 203 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.

What USDA zone is Cape Girardeau in?

Cape Girardeau is in USDA hardiness zone 7a 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.

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