Last spring frost
May 14
Frost Dates for Whitney, NE
First fall frost
Sep 30
Growing season
138 days
Hardiness zone
5a
In an average year around Whitney, NE, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 14 and the first fall frost is about Sep 30, giving roughly a 138-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 2 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) | Jun 6 | May 24 | May 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 27 | May 14 | May 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 16 | May 3 | Apr 20 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 5 | Apr 22 | Apr 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 6 | Jun 2 | May 30 | May 27 | May 24 | May 22 | May 19 | May 16 | May 12 |
| 32°F | May 27 | May 23 | May 19 | May 16 | May 14 | May 11 | May 9 | May 6 | May 2 |
| 28°F | May 16 | May 12 | May 9 | May 5 | May 3 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 20 |
| 24°F | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 11 | Apr 5 |
| 20°F | Apr 27 | Apr 21 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 22 |
| 16°F | Apr 18 | Apr 12 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 10 |
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 5 | Sep 21 | Oct 3 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 15 | Sep 30 | Oct 11 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 26 | Oct 9 | Oct 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 5 | Oct 18 | Oct 30 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 5 | Sep 11 | Sep 15 | Sep 18 | Sep 21 | Sep 23 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 3 |
| 32°F | Sep 15 | Sep 21 | Sep 25 | Sep 27 | Sep 30 | Oct 2 | Oct 5 | Oct 7 | Oct 11 |
| 28°F | Sep 26 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 9 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 |
| 24°F | Oct 5 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 18 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 |
| 20°F | Oct 11 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 |
| 16°F | Oct 18 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 |
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: Chadron Muni Ap, Ne, about 11.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 3,318 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 Whitney, NE?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Whitney, NE is about May 14. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 2.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Whitney, NE typically arrives about Sep 30. 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 May 14 on average, or May 2 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 138 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 69367 Planting calendar → Nebraska frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026