Last frost date in West Lafayette, IN
Expect the last frost in West Lafayette around April 26. Frost after May 14 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 18, which leaves 173 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 4 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 14
- Average first frost
- Oct 18
- Frost-free season
- 173 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 18.
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2244°
- FriOct 2344°
- SatOct 2445°
- SunOct 2547°
- MonOct 2648°
- TueOct 2746°
- WedOct 2846°
Planting calendar for West Lafayette
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Indiana.
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 4–Nov 8
GarlicSep 27–Nov 1
Daffodil bulbsSep 20–Nov 1
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 14 | Oct 4 | Oct 18 | Oct 31 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | May 1 | Oct 15 | Oct 28 | Nov 10 |
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 Lafayette Purdue University Airport (USW00014835) sits 2.3 miles from the center of West Lafayette at 599 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 West Lafayette, IN?
The average last frost date in West Lafayette is April 26, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 14.
When is the first frost in West Lafayette?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 18. One year in ten it arrives before October 4.
How long is the growing season in West Lafayette?
About 173 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in West Lafayette?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 3 to May 17. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Indiana
- LafayetteApr 26
- KokomoApr 27
- ZionsvilleApr 21
- WestfieldApr 21
- BrownsburgApr 12
- CarmelApr 21
- AvonApr 12
- NoblesvilleApr 21
- PlainfieldApr 12
- FishersApr 21
- IndianapolisApr 20
- LawrenceApr 18