Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Moorhead, MS

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the spring

As spring unfolds, the risk of frost gradually decreases each day until your tender plants are finally safe. The probabilities shown in the chart help you make smart decisions about when to plant.

While frost typically forms at 32°F, tender plants can be damaged even when temperatures are slightly higher. Air temperatures are often measured several feet above the ground, but temperatures at plant level can be several degrees colder. Protected areas like porches help by blocking radiational cooling. Given these variables, we consider 36°F the "caution zone" for frost-sensitive plants.

Key dates for your spring planting:

  • By April 15, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around March 31, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before March 22, there's still an 80% risk of frost — too early for tomatoes and other tender plants unless you're prepared to protect them

If the 10-day forecast shows no temperatures below 40°F, you might safely plant earlier than the above dates suggest. Many gardeners watch for this weather window to get a head start on the growing season.

In the Spring
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
Last 16° Feb 11 Feb 2 Jan 25 Jan 17 Jan 6 -- -- -- --
Last 20° Feb 25 Feb 15 Feb 7 Jan 31 Jan 24 Jan 17 Jan 7 Dec 21 --
Last 24° Mar 9 Feb 28 Feb 21 Feb 16 Feb 11 Feb 5 Jan 31 Jan 24 Jan 15
Last 28° Mar 21 Mar 13 Mar 8 Mar 3 Feb 26 Feb 22 Feb 17 Feb 11 Feb 3
Last 32° Apr 4 Mar 28 Mar 23 Mar 19 Mar 15 Mar 11 Mar 7 Mar 2 Feb 23
Last 36° Apr 15 Apr 10 Apr 6 Apr 3 Mar 31 Mar 29 Mar 26 Mar 22 Mar 17

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Moorhead, MS, nighttime temperatures begin to drop, and your risk of frost increases with each passing day. Knowing when to expect frost helps you harvest sensitive crops and extend your growing season with protection methods.

The chart below shows the probability of experiencing specific temperatures on various dates. Here's what this means for your garden:

1
Early warning: Around November 4, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By November 17, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By November 30, there's an 80% chance of seeing 32°F — most tender plants will be damaged without protection
4
Another perspective: You have only a 1 in 5 chance of making it past November 30 without a freezing night

These probabilities help you time your end-of-season harvests and know when to apply protective measures like row covers, cloches, or cold frames to extend your harvest.

In the Fall
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
First 16° Dec 24 Jan 3 Jan 12 Jan 21 Feb 5 -- -- -- --
First 20° Dec 7 Dec 15 Dec 20 Dec 25 Dec 30 Jan 4 Jan 10 Jan 22 --
First 24° Nov 20 Dec 2 Dec 10 Dec 17 Dec 24 Dec 31 Jan 7 Jan 15 Jan 27
First 28° Nov 7 Nov 13 Nov 18 Nov 22 Nov 26 Nov 30 Dec 4 Dec 9 Dec 16
First 32° Oct 28 Nov 4 Nov 9 Nov 13 Nov 17 Nov 21 Nov 25 Nov 30 Dec 7
First 36° Oct 20 Oct 25 Oct 29 Nov 1 Nov 4 Nov 7 Nov 10 Nov 14 Nov 19

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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Data is provided by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.