Last spring frost
Apr 19
Frost Dates for Grimes, IA
First fall frost
Oct 18
Growing season
179 days
Hardiness zone
5b
In an average year around Grimes, IA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 19 and the first fall frost is about Oct 18, giving roughly a 179-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 5 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | May 13 | Apr 30 | Apr 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 3 | Apr 19 | Apr 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 23 | Apr 9 | Mar 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 16 | Apr 1 | Mar 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 13 | May 7 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 15 |
| 32°F | May 3 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 |
| 28°F | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 25 |
| 24°F | Apr 16 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 19 | Mar 13 |
| 20°F | Apr 7 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 |
| 16°F | Mar 30 | Mar 24 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 25 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Sep 23 | Oct 7 | Oct 21 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 1 | Oct 18 | Oct 30 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 14 | Oct 27 | Nov 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 21 | Nov 4 | Nov 19 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 23 | Sep 28 | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 7 | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 21 |
| 32°F | Oct 1 | Oct 7 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 |
| 28°F | Oct 14 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 9 |
| 24°F | Oct 21 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 19 |
| 20°F | Oct 30 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Dec 1 |
| 16°F | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 11 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Des Moines Wsfo-Johnston, Ia, about 5.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 959 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Grimes, IA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Grimes, IA is about Apr 19. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 5.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Grimes, IA typically arrives about Oct 18. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Apr 19 on average, or Apr 5 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 179 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 50111 Planting calendar → Iowa frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026