Last spring frost
Apr 17
Frost Dates for Salem, MO
First fall frost
Oct 18
Growing season
182 days
Hardiness zone
6b
In an average year around Salem, MO, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 17 and the first fall frost is about Oct 18, giving roughly a 182-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 31 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 | Apr 30 | Apr 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 5 | Apr 17 | Mar 31 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 20 | Apr 3 | Mar 16 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 8 | Mar 23 | Mar 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 16 | May 11 | May 7 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 14 |
| 32°F | May 5 | Apr 29 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 |
| 28°F | Apr 20 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 16 |
| 24°F | Apr 8 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 |
| 20°F | Mar 30 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 |
| 16°F | Mar 20 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 21 | Feb 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 25 | Oct 8 | Oct 21 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 3 | Oct 18 | Oct 31 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 15 | Oct 30 | Nov 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 25 | Nov 8 | Nov 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 25 | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 13 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 |
| 32°F | Oct 3 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 |
| 28°F | Oct 15 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 14 |
| 24°F | Oct 25 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 27 |
| 20°F | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 7 |
| 16°F | Nov 11 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 |
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: Salem, Mo, about 12.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,205 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 Salem, MO?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Salem, MO is about Apr 17. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 31.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Salem, MO typically arrives about Oct 18. 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 17 on average, or Mar 31 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 182 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 65501 Planting calendar → Missouri frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026