Last frost date in Moorhead, MN
In Moorhead, the last spring frost comes around May 5 in an average year. Wait until May 20 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 3, which leaves 150 frost-free days. An early freeze before September 22 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 20
- Average first frost
- Oct 3
- Frost-free season
- 150 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 28
Frost likely Mon night, low 31°F
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:24 UTC
- ThuOct 2258°
- FriOct 2357°
- SatOct 2434°possible frost
- SunOct 2533°possible frost
- MonOct 2631°frost
- TueOct 2736°possible frost
- WedOct 2835°possible frost
Planting calendar for Moorhead
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Minnesota.
TomatoesMay 12–May 26
PumpkinsMay 19–Jun 2
SunflowersMay 5–May 26
CucumbersMay 19–May 26
CornMay 12–May 26
Sweet potatoesMay 26–Jun 9
WatermelonMay 19–Jun 2
Green beansMay 12–Jun 2
ZucchiniMay 12–May 26
OkraMay 26–Jun 9
PeppersMay 19–Jun 2
BasilMay 12–May 26
Butternut squashMay 12–May 26
CantaloupeMay 19–Jun 2
EggplantMay 19–Jun 2
PotatoesApr 7–Apr 21
OnionsMar 24–Apr 14
CarrotsApr 14–May 19
LettuceApr 21–May 12
BroccoliApr 7–Apr 21
BeetsApr 7–May 19
PeasMar 24–Apr 7
CabbageApr 7–Apr 21
RadishesMar 31–May 12
Brussels sproutsApr 21–May 5
SpinachMar 24–Apr 14
CilantroApr 21–May 12
KaleApr 7–Apr 21
Collard greensApr 7–Apr 21
TurnipsApr 7–Apr 21
DillMay 5–May 19
CeleryMay 12–May 19
CauliflowerApr 21–May 5
LeeksApr 21–May 5
Swiss chardApr 21–May 19
ParsleyApr 21–May 12
Tulip bulbsSep 19–Oct 24
GarlicSep 12–Oct 17
Daffodil bulbsSep 5–Oct 17
StrawberriesApr 7–Apr 21
AsparagusApr 7–Apr 21Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 23 | May 5 | May 20 | Sep 22 | Oct 3 | Oct 18 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 12 | Apr 28 | May 9 | Oct 1 | Oct 14 | 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 Moorhead (USC00215586) sits 1.6 miles from the center of Moorhead at 904 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 Moorhead, MN?
The average last frost date in Moorhead is May 5, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 20.
When is the first frost in Moorhead?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 3. One year in ten it arrives before September 22.
How long is the growing season in Moorhead?
About 150 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Moorhead?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 12 to May 26. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Minnesota
- WillmarApr 30
- St. CloudMay 7
- Elk RiverMay 4
- OtsegoMay 4
- St. MichaelApr 30
- RamseyMay 4
- AndoverMay 5
- Maple GroveApr 30
- ChamplinMay 5
- Coon RapidsMay 5
- PlymouthApr 29
- Brooklyn ParkApr 30