🌷 2026 Last Frost Dates for Chicago, Illinois 60618
The last 36°F Spring frost date is 30% likely to be on Apr 30. (See detailed probabilities below.)
The last 32°F light freeze date is 30% likely to be on Apr 17. (See detailed probabilities below.)
(See also 🍂 First Fall Frost Dates.)
Last frost date probabilities for Chicago, IL are based on historical climate data.
Always check your local forecast for the most up-to-date frost warnings.
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What is a Last Frost Date?
The last spring frost signals when your area is safe from freezing temperatures. Tender plants can now grow outdoors without cold damage! This marks the beginning of the growing season. Last spring frost serves as your essential starting point for planting warm-season crops. It's also time to remove winter protection from your perennials. Enjoy the longer days and warmer weather!
How to use the Last Frost Date?
Start seeds indoors several weeks before your last frost date. This gives plants time to reach transplanting size when weather permits. Plan your outdoor planting schedule around your area's average last frost date. Plant some crops before and some after this date to protect against weather changes. Look for spots in your yard where frost stays longer or disappears earlier. Create your own frost map to use all available growing space and extend your season. Keep watching your local weather forecast to catch any surprise late frosts.
Last Frost Date Probabilities
| Probability of frost (36°F) on or after… | |
|---|---|
| 10% chance | May 9 |
| 20% chance | May 3 |
| 30% chance | Apr 30 |
| 40% chance | Apr 26 |
| 50% chance | Apr 23 |
| 60% chance | Apr 19 |
| 70% chance | Apr 16 |
| 80% chance | Apr 13 |
| 90% chance | Apr 9 |
| Probability of light freeze (32°F) on or after… | |
|---|---|
| 10% chance | Apr 25 |
| 20% chance | Apr 20 |
| 30% chance | Apr 17 |
| 40% chance | Apr 14 |
| 50% chance | Apr 10 |
| 60% chance | Apr 8 |
| 70% chance | Apr 5 |
| 80% chance | Apr 3 |
| 90% chance | Mar 29 |
| Probability of moderate freeze (28°F) on or after… | |
|---|---|
| 10% chance | Apr 14 |
| 20% chance | Apr 9 |
| 30% chance | Apr 5 |
| 40% chance | Apr 3 |
| 50% chance | Apr 1 |
| 60% chance | Mar 30 |
| 70% chance | Mar 26 |
| 80% chance | Mar 22 |
| 90% chance | Mar 16 |
| Probability of moderate hard freeze (24°F) on or after… | |
|---|---|
| 10% chance | Apr 3 |
| 20% chance | Mar 31 |
| 30% chance | Mar 27 |
| 40% chance | Mar 23 |
| 50% chance | Mar 19 |
| 60% chance | Mar 16 |
| 70% chance | Mar 13 |
| 80% chance | Mar 10 |
| 90% chance | Mar 5 |
| Probability of hard freeze (20°F) on or after… | |
|---|---|
| 10% chance | Mar 27 |
| 20% chance | Mar 21 |
| 30% chance | Mar 17 |
| 40% chance | Mar 14 |
| 50% chance | Mar 10 |
| 60% chance | Mar 7 |
| 70% chance | Mar 4 |
| 80% chance | Mar 1 |
| 90% chance | Feb 22 |
| Probability of severe hard freeze (16°F) on or after… | |
|---|---|
| 10% chance | Mar 18 |
| 20% chance | Mar 14 |
| 30% chance | Mar 9 |
| 40% chance | Mar 6 |
| 50% chance | Mar 3 |
| 60% chance | Feb 28 |
| 70% chance | Feb 25 |
| 80% chance | Feb 19 |
| 90% chance | Feb 11 |
Agricultural climatic data from weather station: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS (USC00111550:frost)