Last frost date in Elk River, MN
In Elk River, the last spring frost comes around May 4 in an average year. Wait until May 18 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 5, which leaves 154 frost-free days. An early freeze before September 23 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 18
- Average first frost
- Oct 5
- Frost-free season
- 154 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 25
No frost in the next 7 nights
Later than usual: the average first frost here is October 5.
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2252°
- FriOct 2360°
- SatOct 2446°
- SunOct 2541°
- MonOct 2637°
- TueOct 2738°
- WedOct 2840°
Planting calendar for Elk River
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Minnesota.
TomatoesMay 11–May 25
PumpkinsMay 18–Jun 1
SunflowersMay 4–May 25
CucumbersMay 18–May 25
CornMay 11–May 25
Sweet potatoesMay 25–Jun 8
WatermelonMay 18–Jun 1
Green beansMay 11–Jun 1
ZucchiniMay 11–May 25
OkraMay 25–Jun 8
PeppersMay 18–Jun 1
BasilMay 11–May 25
Butternut squashMay 11–May 25
CantaloupeMay 18–Jun 1
EggplantMay 18–Jun 1
PotatoesApr 6–Apr 20
OnionsMar 23–Apr 13
CarrotsApr 13–May 18
LettuceApr 20–May 11
BroccoliApr 6–Apr 20
BeetsApr 6–May 18
PeasMar 23–Apr 6
CabbageApr 6–Apr 20
RadishesMar 30–May 11
Brussels sproutsApr 20–May 4
SpinachMar 23–Apr 13
CilantroApr 20–May 11
KaleApr 6–Apr 20
Collard greensApr 6–Apr 20
TurnipsApr 6–Apr 20
DillMay 4–May 18
CeleryMay 11–May 18
CauliflowerApr 20–May 4
LeeksApr 20–May 4
Swiss chardApr 20–May 18
ParsleyApr 20–May 11
Tulip bulbsSep 21–Oct 26
GarlicSep 14–Oct 19
Daffodil bulbsSep 7–Oct 19
StrawberriesApr 6–Apr 20
AsparagusApr 6–Apr 20Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 22 | May 4 | May 18 | Sep 23 | Oct 5 | Oct 18 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 11 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Oct 3 | Oct 17 | Oct 29 |
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 Elk River (USC00212500) sits 2.1 miles from the center of Elk River at 880 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 Elk River, MN?
The average last frost date in Elk River is May 4, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 18.
When is the first frost in Elk River?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 5. One year in ten it arrives before September 23.
How long is the growing season in Elk River?
About 154 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Elk River?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 11 to May 25. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Minnesota
- OtsegoMay 4
- RamseyMay 4
- St. MichaelApr 30
- AndoverMay 5
- ChamplinMay 5
- Maple GroveApr 30
- Coon RapidsMay 5
- Brooklyn ParkApr 30
- BlaineMay 5
- Brooklyn CenterApr 30
- PlymouthApr 29
- New HopeApr 29