Last spring frost
Apr 18
Frost Dates for Moravia, IA
First fall frost
Oct 23
Growing season
187 days
Hardiness zone
5b
In an average year around Moravia, IA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 18 and the first fall frost is about Oct 23, giving roughly a 187-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 4 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 11 | Apr 29 | Apr 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 2 | Apr 18 | Apr 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 21 | Apr 7 | Mar 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 13 | Mar 30 | Mar 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 11 | May 6 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 14 |
| 32°F | May 2 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 |
| 28°F | Apr 21 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 22 |
| 24°F | Apr 13 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 |
| 20°F | Apr 3 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 |
| 16°F | Mar 28 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 11 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 |
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 29 | Oct 14 | Oct 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 10 | Oct 23 | Nov 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 20 | Oct 31 | Nov 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 28 | Nov 6 | Nov 20 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 29 | Oct 3 | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 16 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 24 |
| 32°F | Oct 10 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 |
| 28°F | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 26 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 |
| 24°F | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 |
| 20°F | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 |
| 16°F | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 9 |
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: Rathbun Dam, Ia, about 4.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 965 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 Moravia, IA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Moravia, IA is about Apr 18. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 4.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Moravia, IA typically arrives about Oct 23. 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 18 on average, or Apr 4 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 187 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 52571 Planting calendar → Iowa frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026