Last spring frost
Apr 11
Frost Dates for Atchison, KS
First fall frost
Oct 29
Growing season
199 days
Hardiness zone
6a
In an average year around Atchison, KS, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 11 and the first fall frost is about Oct 29, giving roughly a 199-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 29 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 3 | Apr 21 | Apr 7 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 23 | Apr 11 | Mar 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 14 | Apr 1 | Mar 15 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 5 | Mar 22 | Mar 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 7 |
| 32°F | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 |
| 28°F | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 15 |
| 24°F | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 |
| 20°F | Mar 29 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Mar 2 | Feb 24 |
| 16°F | Mar 19 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 27 | Feb 23 | Feb 15 |
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) | Oct 2 | Oct 20 | Oct 31 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 15 | Oct 29 | Nov 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 22 | Nov 5 | Nov 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 14 | Dec 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 2 | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 22 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 |
| 32°F | Oct 15 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 |
| 28°F | Oct 22 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 21 |
| 24°F | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 |
| 20°F | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 10 |
| 16°F | Nov 14 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 22 |
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: Atchison, Ks, about 2.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 945 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 Atchison, KS?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Atchison, KS is about Apr 11. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 29.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Atchison, KS typically arrives about Oct 29. 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 11 on average, or Mar 29 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 66002 Planting calendar → Kansas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026