Last spring frost
May 18
Frost Dates for Lignite, ND
First fall frost
Sep 17
Growing season
119 days
Hardiness zone
4a
In an average year around Lignite, ND, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 18 and the first fall frost is about Sep 17, giving roughly a 119-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 6 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 15 | May 30 | May 17 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 1 | May 18 | May 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 23 | May 10 | Apr 29 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 14 | May 1 | Apr 17 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 15 | Jun 8 | Jun 4 | May 31 | May 30 | May 27 | May 24 | May 21 | May 17 |
| 32°F | Jun 1 | May 27 | May 24 | May 21 | May 18 | May 16 | May 13 | May 11 | May 6 |
| 28°F | May 23 | May 19 | May 15 | May 12 | May 10 | May 7 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 29 |
| 24°F | May 14 | May 9 | May 6 | May 3 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 | Apr 17 |
| 20°F | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 |
| 16°F | Apr 28 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 |
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) | Aug 25 | Sep 8 | Sep 21 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 4 | Sep 17 | Sep 28 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 12 | Sep 25 | Oct 7 |
| Severe (24°F) | Sep 18 | Oct 3 | Oct 17 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Aug 25 | Aug 31 | Sep 2 | Sep 5 | Sep 8 | Sep 10 | Sep 13 | Sep 16 | Sep 21 |
| 32°F | Sep 4 | Sep 9 | Sep 12 | Sep 14 | Sep 17 | Sep 20 | Sep 22 | Sep 24 | Sep 28 |
| 28°F | Sep 12 | Sep 17 | Sep 20 | Sep 22 | Sep 25 | Sep 27 | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 7 |
| 24°F | Sep 18 | Sep 23 | Sep 26 | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 17 |
| 20°F | Sep 26 | Oct 2 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 |
| 16°F | Oct 5 | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 |
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: Powers Lake 1N, Nd, about 17.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,205 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 Lignite, ND?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Lignite, ND is about May 18. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 6.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Lignite, ND typically arrives about Sep 17. 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 18 on average, or May 6 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 119 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 58752 Planting calendar → North Dakota frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026