Last frost date in Manhattan, KS
Expect the last frost in Manhattan around April 16. Frost after May 1 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 19, which leaves 185 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 1 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 1
- Average first frost
- Oct 19
- Frost-free season
- 185 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 6
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 2256°
- FriOct 2359°
- SatOct 2455°
- SunOct 2555°
- MonOct 2646°
- TueOct 2744°
- WedOct 2848°
Planting calendar for Manhattan
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Kansas.
TomatoesApr 23–May 7
PumpkinsApr 30–May 14
SunflowersApr 16–May 7
CucumbersApr 30–May 7
CornApr 23–May 7
Sweet potatoesMay 7–May 21
WatermelonApr 30–May 14
Green beansApr 23–May 14
ZucchiniApr 23–May 7
OkraMay 7–May 21
PeppersApr 30–May 14
BasilApr 23–May 7
Butternut squashApr 23–May 7
CantaloupeApr 30–May 14
EggplantApr 30–May 14
PotatoesMar 19–Apr 2
OnionsMar 5–Mar 26
CarrotsMar 26–Apr 30
LettuceApr 2–Apr 23
BroccoliMar 19–Apr 2
BeetsMar 19–Apr 30
PeasMar 5–Mar 19
CabbageMar 19–Apr 2
RadishesMar 12–Apr 23
Brussels sproutsApr 2–Apr 16
SpinachMar 5–Mar 26
CilantroApr 2–Apr 23
KaleMar 19–Apr 2
Collard greensMar 19–Apr 2
TurnipsMar 19–Apr 2
DillApr 16–Apr 30
CeleryApr 23–Apr 30
CauliflowerApr 2–Apr 16
LeeksApr 2–Apr 16
Swiss chardApr 2–Apr 30
ParsleyApr 2–Apr 23
Tulip bulbsOct 5–Nov 9
GarlicSep 28–Nov 2
Daffodil bulbsSep 21–Nov 2
StrawberriesMar 19–Apr 2
AsparagusMar 19–Apr 2Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 1 | Apr 16 | May 1 | Oct 1 | Oct 19 | Nov 1 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 22 | Apr 6 | Apr 24 | Oct 11 | Oct 29 | 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 Manhattan (USC00144972) sits 1.4 miles from the center of Manhattan at 1,060 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 Manhattan, KS?
The average last frost date in Manhattan is April 16, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 1.
When is the first frost in Manhattan?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 19. One year in ten it arrives before October 1.
How long is the growing season in Manhattan?
About 185 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Manhattan?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 23 to May 7. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Kansas
- Junction CityApr 12
- TopekaApr 16
- EmporiaApr 15
- SalinaApr 18
- LawrenceApr 12
- LeavenworthApr 12
- GardnerApr 13
- ShawneeApr 16
- LenexaApr 10
- OlatheApr 10
- Kansas CityApr 4
- HutchinsonApr 18