Last spring frost
May 16
Frost Dates for Wounded Knee, SD
First fall frost
Sep 27
Growing season
132 days
Hardiness zone
5a
In an average year around Wounded Knee, SD, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 16 and the first fall frost is about Sep 27, giving roughly a 132-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 3 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 12 | May 26 | May 13 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 31 | May 16 | May 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 19 | May 5 | Apr 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 9 | Apr 26 | Apr 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 12 | Jun 4 | Jun 1 | May 29 | May 26 | May 23 | May 20 | May 17 | May 13 |
| 32°F | May 31 | May 26 | May 22 | May 19 | May 16 | May 14 | May 11 | May 7 | May 3 |
| 28°F | May 19 | May 15 | May 12 | May 8 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 21 |
| 24°F | May 9 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 |
| 20°F | May 1 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 25 |
| 16°F | Apr 22 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 13 |
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 3 | Sep 17 | Sep 30 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 13 | Sep 27 | Oct 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 22 | Oct 4 | Oct 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Sep 30 | Oct 14 | Oct 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 3 | Sep 7 | Sep 11 | Sep 14 | Sep 17 | Sep 21 | Sep 23 | Sep 26 | Sep 30 |
| 32°F | Sep 13 | Sep 18 | Sep 22 | Sep 24 | Sep 27 | Sep 30 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 8 |
| 28°F | Sep 22 | Sep 27 | Sep 30 | Oct 2 | Oct 4 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 14 | Oct 19 |
| 24°F | Sep 30 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 |
| 20°F | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 4 |
| 16°F | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 |
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: Pine Ridge Ap, Sd, about 8.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 3,278 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 Wounded Knee, SD?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Wounded Knee, SD is about May 16. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 3.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Wounded Knee, 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 16 on average, or May 3 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 132 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 57794 Planting calendar → South Dakota frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026