Last frost date in Emporia, KS
Expect the last frost in Emporia around April 15. Frost after April 30 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 23, which leaves 190 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 8 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 30
- Average first frost
- Oct 23
- Frost-free season
- 190 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 5
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2254°
- FriOct 2355°
- SatOct 2454°
- SunOct 2555°
- MonOct 2648°
- TueOct 2745°
- WedOct 2849°
Planting calendar for Emporia
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Kansas.
TomatoesApr 22–May 6
PumpkinsApr 29–May 13
SunflowersApr 15–May 6
CucumbersApr 29–May 6
CornApr 22–May 6
Sweet potatoesMay 6–May 20
WatermelonApr 29–May 13
Green beansApr 22–May 13
ZucchiniApr 22–May 6
OkraMay 6–May 20
PeppersApr 29–May 13
BasilApr 22–May 6
Butternut squashApr 22–May 6
CantaloupeApr 29–May 13
EggplantApr 29–May 13
PotatoesMar 18–Apr 1
OnionsMar 4–Mar 25
CarrotsMar 25–Apr 29
LettuceApr 1–Apr 22
BroccoliMar 18–Apr 1
BeetsMar 18–Apr 29
PeasMar 4–Mar 18
CabbageMar 18–Apr 1
RadishesMar 11–Apr 22
Brussels sproutsApr 1–Apr 15
SpinachMar 4–Mar 25
CilantroApr 1–Apr 22
KaleMar 18–Apr 1
Collard greensMar 18–Apr 1
TurnipsMar 18–Apr 1
DillApr 15–Apr 29
CeleryApr 22–Apr 29
CauliflowerApr 1–Apr 15
LeeksApr 1–Apr 15
Swiss chardApr 1–Apr 29
ParsleyApr 1–Apr 22
Tulip bulbsOct 9–Nov 13
GarlicOct 2–Nov 6
Daffodil bulbsSep 25–Nov 6
StrawberriesMar 18–Apr 1
AsparagusMar 18–Apr 1Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 2 | Apr 15 | Apr 30 | Oct 8 | Oct 23 | Nov 5 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 21 | Apr 5 | Apr 21 | Oct 18 | Nov 1 | Nov 17 |
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 Emporia 3 NW (USC00142548) sits 2.4 miles from the center of Emporia at 1,238 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 Emporia, KS?
The average last frost date in Emporia is April 15, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 30.
When is the first frost in Emporia?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 23. One year in ten it arrives before October 8.
How long is the growing season in Emporia?
About 190 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Emporia?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 22 to May 6. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.