Last frost date in Evanston, IL
In Evanston, the last spring frost comes around April 26 in an average year. Wait until May 11 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 21, which leaves 176 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 5 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 11
- Average first frost
- Oct 21
- Frost-free season
- 176 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 13
No frost in the next 7 nights
Later than usual: the average first frost here is October 21.
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2250°
- FriOct 2351°
- SatOct 2453°
- SunOct 2555°
- MonOct 2652°
- TueOct 2749°
- WedOct 2850°
Planting calendar for Evanston
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Illinois.
TomatoesMay 3–May 17
PumpkinsMay 10–May 24
SunflowersApr 26–May 17
CucumbersMay 10–May 17
CornMay 3–May 17
Sweet potatoesMay 17–May 31
WatermelonMay 10–May 24
Green beansMay 3–May 24
ZucchiniMay 3–May 17
OkraMay 17–May 31
PeppersMay 10–May 24
BasilMay 3–May 17
Butternut squashMay 3–May 17
CantaloupeMay 10–May 24
EggplantMay 10–May 24
PotatoesMar 29–Apr 12
OnionsMar 15–Apr 5
CarrotsApr 5–May 10
LettuceApr 12–May 3
BroccoliMar 29–Apr 12
BeetsMar 29–May 10
PeasMar 15–Mar 29
CabbageMar 29–Apr 12
RadishesMar 22–May 3
Brussels sproutsApr 12–Apr 26
SpinachMar 15–Apr 5
CilantroApr 12–May 3
KaleMar 29–Apr 12
Collard greensMar 29–Apr 12
TurnipsMar 29–Apr 12
DillApr 26–May 10
CeleryMay 3–May 10
CauliflowerApr 12–Apr 26
LeeksApr 12–Apr 26
Swiss chardApr 12–May 10
ParsleyApr 12–May 3
Tulip bulbsOct 7–Nov 11
GarlicSep 30–Nov 4
Daffodil bulbsSep 23–Nov 4
StrawberriesMar 29–Apr 12
AsparagusMar 29–Apr 12Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 11 | Apr 26 | May 11 | Oct 5 | Oct 21 | Nov 2 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 31 | Apr 13 | Apr 28 | Oct 17 | Nov 1 | Nov 14 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Chicago Botanic Garden (USC00111497) sits 8.0 miles from the center of Evanston at 630 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Evanston, IL?
The average last frost date in Evanston is April 26, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 11.
When is the first frost in Evanston?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 21. One year in ten it arrives before October 5.
How long is the growing season in Evanston?
About 176 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Evanston?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 3 to May 17. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Illinois
- SkokieApr 26
- WilmetteApr 26
- Morton GroveApr 26
- NilesApr 16
- GlenviewApr 26
- Park RidgeApr 16
- NorthbrookApr 26
- Elmwood ParkApr 16
- Des PlainesApr 16
- Highland ParkApr 26
- Oak ParkApr 11
- Mount ProspectApr 19