Last spring frost
May 15
Frost Dates for Oral, SD
First fall frost
Sep 27
Growing season
133 days
Hardiness zone
5a
In an average year around Oral, SD, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 15 and the first fall frost is about Sep 27, giving roughly a 133-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 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) | Jun 9 | May 27 | May 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 28 | May 15 | May 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 18 | May 6 | Apr 23 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 8 | Apr 26 | Apr 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 9 | Jun 4 | Jun 1 | May 30 | May 27 | May 24 | May 21 | May 18 | May 14 |
| 32°F | May 28 | May 23 | May 20 | May 17 | May 15 | May 13 | May 11 | May 8 | May 5 |
| 28°F | May 18 | May 14 | May 11 | May 9 | May 6 | May 4 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 23 |
| 24°F | May 8 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 |
| 20°F | Apr 30 | Apr 24 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Mar 29 |
| 16°F | Apr 19 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 14 |
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 2 | Sep 15 | Sep 29 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 11 | Sep 27 | Oct 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 24 | Oct 5 | Oct 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 1 | Oct 16 | Oct 30 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 2 | Sep 7 | Sep 10 | Sep 12 | Sep 15 | Sep 18 | Sep 21 | Sep 24 | Sep 29 |
| 32°F | Sep 11 | Sep 18 | Sep 21 | Sep 24 | Sep 27 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 8 |
| 28°F | Sep 24 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 19 |
| 24°F | Oct 1 | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 30 |
| 20°F | Oct 10 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 8 |
| 16°F | Oct 17 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 18 |
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: Oral, Sd, about 14.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,960 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 Oral, SD?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Oral, SD is about May 15. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 5.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Oral, SD typically arrives about Sep 27. 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 May 15 on average, or May 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 133 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 57722 Planting calendar → South Dakota frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026