Last frost date in Palatine, IL
In Palatine, the last spring frost comes around April 25 in an average year. Wait until May 12 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 19, which leaves 177 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 5 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 12
- Average first frost
- Oct 19
- Frost-free season
- 177 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 12
No frost in the next 7 nights
Later than usual: the average first frost here is October 19.
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2248°
- FriOct 2349°
- SatOct 2452°
- SunOct 2552°
- MonOct 2649°
- TueOct 2746°
- WedOct 2846°
Planting calendar for Palatine
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Illinois.
TomatoesMay 2–May 16
PumpkinsMay 9–May 23
SunflowersApr 25–May 16
CucumbersMay 9–May 16
CornMay 2–May 16
Sweet potatoesMay 16–May 30
WatermelonMay 9–May 23
Green beansMay 2–May 23
ZucchiniMay 2–May 16
OkraMay 16–May 30
PeppersMay 9–May 23
BasilMay 2–May 16
Butternut squashMay 2–May 16
CantaloupeMay 9–May 23
EggplantMay 9–May 23
PotatoesMar 28–Apr 11
OnionsMar 14–Apr 4
CarrotsApr 4–May 9
LettuceApr 11–May 2
BroccoliMar 28–Apr 11
BeetsMar 28–May 9
PeasMar 14–Mar 28
CabbageMar 28–Apr 11
RadishesMar 21–May 2
Brussels sproutsApr 11–Apr 25
SpinachMar 14–Apr 4
CilantroApr 11–May 2
KaleMar 28–Apr 11
Collard greensMar 28–Apr 11
TurnipsMar 28–Apr 11
DillApr 25–May 9
CeleryMay 2–May 9
CauliflowerApr 11–Apr 25
LeeksApr 11–Apr 25
Swiss chardApr 11–May 9
ParsleyApr 11–May 2
Tulip bulbsOct 5–Nov 9
GarlicSep 28–Nov 2
Daffodil bulbsSep 21–Nov 2
StrawberriesMar 28–Apr 11
AsparagusMar 28–Apr 11Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 10 | Apr 25 | May 12 | Oct 5 | Oct 19 | Nov 1 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 31 | Apr 12 | Apr 30 | Oct 15 | Oct 30 | Nov 12 |
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 Barrington 3SW (USC00110442) sits 6.1 miles from the center of Palatine at 875 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 Palatine, IL?
The average last frost date in Palatine is April 25, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 12.
When is the first frost in Palatine?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 19. One year in ten it arrives before October 5.
How long is the growing season in Palatine?
About 177 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Palatine?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 2 to May 16. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Illinois
- Rolling MeadowsApr 19
- Arlington HeightsApr 19
- Buffalo GroveApr 19
- Hoffman EstatesApr 30
- WheelingApr 19
- SchaumburgApr 30
- Mount ProspectApr 19
- Elk Grove VillageApr 16
- Vernon HillsApr 29
- Des PlainesApr 16
- StreamwoodApr 30
- RoselleApr 30