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Frost dates for Columbia, Missouri

In a typical year, Columbia’s last spring frost lands around Apr 5 and the first fall frost around Oct 31, a growing season of about 209 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 6a.

Right now the growing season is open, with about 6 days until the typical first fall frost.

Last spring frost and first fall frost odds for Columbia, Missouri
OddsLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10 percentMar 19Oct 17
50 percentApr 5Oct 31
90 percentApr 21Nov 14

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 Columbia is typically around 56°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 Columbia, Missouri?

Columbia’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 Columbia?

The first fall frost arrives around October 31 in a typical year, as early as October 17 in an early year and as late as November 14 in a late one.

How long is the growing season in Columbia?

About 209 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.

What USDA zone is Columbia in?

Columbia is in USDA hardiness zone 6a 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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