Last frost date in Ames, Iowa
April 26
Average last frost in spring. In an early year (1 in 10) it's over by April 11; in a late year (1 in 10) it comes after May 9.
October 8
Average first frost in fall. 1 year in 10 it comes by September 23.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Ames Muni AP (USW00094989), 2.4 miles from Ames, elevation 930 ft. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. These are long-term averages, not a forecast.
| Early year | Average | Late year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last frost in spring | Apr 11 | Apr 26 | May 9 |
| First frost in fall | Sept 23 | Oct 8 | Oct 21 |
Frost-free days in an average year: 164
| Chance in a year | Average last in spring | Average first in fall | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Every year | May 5 | Sept 28 |
| Frost (32°F) | Every year | Apr 26 | Oct 8 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Every year | Apr 14 | Oct 19 |
Nights at 32°F or colder in an average year: 147
What to plant now in Ames
- Spring planting calendar for an average last frost around April 30 Ames: April 26
- Fall planting calendar for an average first frost around October 10 Ames: October 8
Planting dates: USDA Home and Garden Bulletin No. 9 (1967), “Suburban and Farm Vegetable Gardens,” tables 4 and 5. How we match the table.
Nearby in Iowa
- Boone 13 mi · last frost Apr 28
- Ankeny 20 mi · last frost Apr 23
- Urbandale 28 mi · last frost Apr 19
- Des Moines 31 mi · last frost Apr 18
- Marshalltown 37 mi · last frost Apr 28
Updated