Last frost date in Grand Island, NE
In Grand Island, the last spring frost comes around April 23 in an average year. Wait until May 6 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 15, which leaves 174 frost-free days. An early freeze before September 29 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 6
- Average first frost
- Oct 15
- Frost-free season
- 174 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 12
No frost in the next 7 nights
Later than usual: the average first frost here is October 15.
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2259°
- FriOct 2360°
- SatOct 2447°
- SunOct 2545°
- MonOct 2640°
- TueOct 2740°
- WedOct 2842°
Planting calendar for Grand Island
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Nebraska.
TomatoesApr 30–May 14
PumpkinsMay 7–May 21
SunflowersApr 23–May 14
CucumbersMay 7–May 14
CornApr 30–May 14
Sweet potatoesMay 14–May 28
WatermelonMay 7–May 21
Green beansApr 30–May 21
ZucchiniApr 30–May 14
OkraMay 14–May 28
PeppersMay 7–May 21
BasilApr 30–May 14
Butternut squashApr 30–May 14
CantaloupeMay 7–May 21
EggplantMay 7–May 21
PotatoesMar 26–Apr 9
OnionsMar 12–Apr 2
CarrotsApr 2–May 7
LettuceApr 9–Apr 30
BroccoliMar 26–Apr 9
BeetsMar 26–May 7
PeasMar 12–Mar 26
CabbageMar 26–Apr 9
RadishesMar 19–Apr 30
Brussels sproutsApr 9–Apr 23
SpinachMar 12–Apr 2
CilantroApr 9–Apr 30
KaleMar 26–Apr 9
Collard greensMar 26–Apr 9
TurnipsMar 26–Apr 9
DillApr 23–May 7
CeleryApr 30–May 7
CauliflowerApr 9–Apr 23
LeeksApr 9–Apr 23
Swiss chardApr 9–May 7
ParsleyApr 9–Apr 30
Tulip bulbsOct 1–Nov 5
GarlicSep 24–Oct 29
Daffodil bulbsSep 17–Oct 29
StrawberriesMar 26–Apr 9
AsparagusMar 26–Apr 9Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | May 6 | Sep 29 | Oct 15 | Oct 27 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 31 | Apr 12 | Apr 27 | Oct 9 | Oct 23 | Nov 5 |
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 Grand Island Airport (USW00014935) sits 3.6 miles from the center of Grand Island at 1,840 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 Grand Island, NE?
The average last frost date in Grand Island is April 23, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 6.
When is the first frost in Grand Island?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 15. One year in ten it arrives before September 29.
How long is the growing season in Grand Island?
About 174 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Grand Island?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 30 to May 14. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.