Last frost date in Salina, KS
In Salina, the last spring frost comes around April 18 in an average year. Wait until May 1 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 23, which leaves 187 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 10 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 1
- Average first frost
- Oct 23
- Frost-free season
- 187 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 7
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2258°
- FriOct 2359°
- SatOct 2456°
- SunOct 2555°
- MonOct 2645°
- TueOct 2745°
- WedOct 2848°
Planting calendar for Salina
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Kansas.
TomatoesApr 25–May 9
PumpkinsMay 2–May 16
SunflowersApr 18–May 9
CucumbersMay 2–May 9
CornApr 25–May 9
Sweet potatoesMay 9–May 23
WatermelonMay 2–May 16
Green beansApr 25–May 16
ZucchiniApr 25–May 9
OkraMay 9–May 23
PeppersMay 2–May 16
BasilApr 25–May 9
Butternut squashApr 25–May 9
CantaloupeMay 2–May 16
EggplantMay 2–May 16
PotatoesMar 21–Apr 4
OnionsMar 7–Mar 28
CarrotsMar 28–May 2
LettuceApr 4–Apr 25
BroccoliMar 21–Apr 4
BeetsMar 21–May 2
PeasMar 7–Mar 21
CabbageMar 21–Apr 4
RadishesMar 14–Apr 25
Brussels sproutsApr 4–Apr 18
SpinachMar 7–Mar 28
CilantroApr 4–Apr 25
KaleMar 21–Apr 4
Collard greensMar 21–Apr 4
TurnipsMar 21–Apr 4
DillApr 18–May 2
CeleryApr 25–May 2
CauliflowerApr 4–Apr 18
LeeksApr 4–Apr 18
Swiss chardApr 4–May 2
ParsleyApr 4–Apr 25
Tulip bulbsOct 9–Nov 13
GarlicOct 2–Nov 6
Daffodil bulbsSep 25–Nov 6
StrawberriesMar 21–Apr 4
AsparagusMar 21–Apr 4Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 3 | Apr 18 | May 1 | Oct 10 | Oct 23 | Nov 4 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 21 | Apr 7 | Apr 23 | Oct 18 | 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 Salina Municipal Airport (USW00003919) sits 2.1 miles from the center of Salina at 1,269 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 Salina, KS?
The average last frost date in Salina is April 18, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 1.
When is the first frost in Salina?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 23. One year in ten it arrives before October 10.
How long is the growing season in Salina?
About 187 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Salina?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 25 to May 9. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Kansas
- Junction CityApr 12
- HutchinsonApr 18
- ManhattanApr 16
- WichitaApr 11
- EmporiaApr 15
- DerbyApr 14
- HaysApr 19
- TopekaApr 16
- LawrenceApr 12
- GardnerApr 13
- LeavenworthApr 12
- Dodge CityApr 21