Last frost date in Indianapolis, IN
Expect the last frost in Indianapolis around April 20. Frost after May 5 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 21, which leaves 183 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 7 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 5
- Average first frost
- Oct 21
- Frost-free season
- 183 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 7
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, 12:24 UTC
- ThuOct 2246°
- FriOct 2344°
- SatOct 2445°
- SunOct 2547°
- MonOct 2649°
- TueOct 2747°
- WedOct 2846°
Planting calendar for Indianapolis
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Indiana.
TomatoesApr 27–May 11
PumpkinsMay 4–May 18
SunflowersApr 20–May 11
CucumbersMay 4–May 11
CornApr 27–May 11
Sweet potatoesMay 11–May 25
WatermelonMay 4–May 18
Green beansApr 27–May 18
ZucchiniApr 27–May 11
OkraMay 11–May 25
PeppersMay 4–May 18
BasilApr 27–May 11
Butternut squashApr 27–May 11
CantaloupeMay 4–May 18
EggplantMay 4–May 18
PotatoesMar 23–Apr 6
OnionsMar 9–Mar 30
CarrotsMar 30–May 4
LettuceApr 6–Apr 27
BroccoliMar 23–Apr 6
BeetsMar 23–May 4
PeasMar 9–Mar 23
CabbageMar 23–Apr 6
RadishesMar 16–Apr 27
Brussels sproutsApr 6–Apr 20
SpinachMar 9–Mar 30
CilantroApr 6–Apr 27
KaleMar 23–Apr 6
Collard greensMar 23–Apr 6
TurnipsMar 23–Apr 6
DillApr 20–May 4
CeleryApr 27–May 4
CauliflowerApr 6–Apr 20
LeeksApr 6–Apr 20
Swiss chardApr 6–May 4
ParsleyApr 6–Apr 27
Tulip bulbsOct 7–Nov 11
GarlicSep 30–Nov 4
Daffodil bulbsSep 23–Nov 4
StrawberriesMar 23–Apr 6
AsparagusMar 23–Apr 6Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 6 | Apr 20 | May 5 | Oct 7 | Oct 21 | Nov 3 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 25 | Apr 7 | Apr 23 | Oct 20 | Nov 1 | Nov 15 |
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 Indianapolis SE Side (USC00124272) sits 5.9 miles from the center of Indianapolis at 845 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 Indianapolis, IN?
The average last frost date in Indianapolis is April 20, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 5.
When is the first frost in Indianapolis?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 21. One year in ten it arrives before October 7.
How long is the growing season in Indianapolis?
About 183 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Indianapolis?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 27 to May 11. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Indiana
- LawrenceApr 18
- GreenwoodApr 20
- CarmelApr 21
- AvonApr 12
- BrownsburgApr 12
- PlainfieldApr 12
- FishersApr 21
- ZionsvilleApr 21
- WestfieldApr 21
- NoblesvilleApr 21
- GreenfieldApr 19
- FranklinApr 20