Last spring frost
Apr 18
Frost Dates for Carman, IL
First fall frost
Oct 20
Growing season
185 days
Hardiness zone
6a
In an average year around Carman, IL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 18 and the first fall frost is about Oct 20, giving roughly a 185-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 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) | May 12 | Apr 30 | Apr 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 3 | Apr 18 | Apr 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 23 | Apr 7 | Mar 23 |
| 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 12 | May 8 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 14 |
| 32°F | May 3 | Apr 29 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 3 |
| 28°F | Apr 23 | Apr 18 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 23 |
| 24°F | Apr 13 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 11 |
| 20°F | Apr 3 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 |
| 16°F | Mar 27 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | 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 11 | Oct 23 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 6 | Oct 20 | Nov 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 17 | Oct 31 | Nov 12 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 28 | Nov 8 | Nov 23 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 26 | Oct 1 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 |
| 32°F | Oct 6 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 2 |
| 28°F | Oct 17 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 |
| 24°F | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 |
| 20°F | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 4 |
| 16°F | Nov 9 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 26 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 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: Burlington 2S, Ia, about 4.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 690 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 Carman, IL?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Carman, IL is about Apr 18. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 3.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Carman, IL typically arrives about Oct 20. 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 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 185 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 61425 Planting calendar → Illinois frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026