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Frost dates for Columbus, Ohio

In a typical year, Columbus’s last spring frost lands around Apr 20 and the first fall frost around Oct 24, a growing season of about 187 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 6b.

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

Last spring frost and first fall frost odds for Columbus, Ohio
OddsLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10 percentApr 5Oct 13
50 percentApr 20Oct 24
90 percentMay 7Nov 4

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 Columbus is typically around 53°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.

See what is plantable in your ZIP with the what-to-plant lookup.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Columbus, Ohio?

Columbus’s last spring frost falls around April 20 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by April 5, and one year in ten frost holds on until May 7. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.

When is the first fall frost in Columbus?

The first fall frost arrives around October 24 in a typical year, as early as October 13 in an early year and as late as November 4 in a late one.

How long is the growing season in Columbus?

About 187 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.

What USDA zone is Columbus in?

Columbus is in USDA hardiness zone 6b 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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