Last spring frost
Apr 22
Frost Dates for Joy, IL
First fall frost
Oct 19
Growing season
181 days
Hardiness zone
5b
In an average year around Joy, IL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 22 and the first fall frost is about Oct 19, giving roughly a 181-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 7 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 16 | May 2 | Apr 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 6 | Apr 22 | Apr 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 29 | Apr 11 | Mar 29 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 15 | Apr 1 | Mar 14 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 16 | May 11 | May 8 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 19 |
| 32°F | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 7 |
| 28°F | Apr 29 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 |
| 24°F | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 14 |
| 20°F | Apr 7 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 |
| 16°F | Mar 28 | Mar 22 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | 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 26 | Oct 9 | Oct 21 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 6 | Oct 19 | Oct 31 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 16 | Oct 29 | Nov 10 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 25 | Nov 7 | Nov 22 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 26 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 |
| 32°F | Oct 6 | Oct 12 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 19 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 |
| 28°F | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 |
| 24°F | Oct 25 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 |
| 20°F | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 |
| 16°F | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 |
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: Aledo, Il, about 7.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 730 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 Joy, IL?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Joy, IL is about Apr 22. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 7.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Joy, IL typically arrives about Oct 19. 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 22 on average, or Apr 7 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 181 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 61260 Planting calendar → Illinois frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026