Last spring frost
Apr 6
Frost Dates for Zeigler, IL
First fall frost
Oct 22
Growing season
199 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Zeigler, IL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 6 and the first fall frost is about Oct 22, giving roughly a 199-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 23 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 4 | Apr 19 | Apr 4 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 22 | Apr 6 | Mar 23 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 11 | Mar 27 | Mar 10 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 31 | Mar 15 | Feb 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 4 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 4 |
| 32°F | Apr 22 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 23 |
| 28°F | Apr 11 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 10 |
| 24°F | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 |
| 20°F | Mar 21 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 13 |
| 16°F | Mar 14 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 19 | Feb 12 | Feb 7 | Jan 31 |
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 29 | Oct 12 | Oct 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 9 | Oct 22 | Nov 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 21 | Nov 2 | Nov 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 14 | Dec 3 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 29 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 26 |
| 32°F | Oct 9 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 |
| 28°F | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 |
| 24°F | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 |
| 20°F | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 17 |
| 16°F | Nov 18 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 14 | Dec 19 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 |
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: Du Quoin 4 Se, Il, about 11.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 420 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 Zeigler, IL?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Zeigler, IL is about Apr 6. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 23.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Zeigler, IL typically arrives about Oct 22. 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 6 on average, or Mar 23 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 199 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 62999 Planting calendar → Illinois frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026