Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Saint Meinrad, IN

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 May 15, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around May 1, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before April 21, 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° Mar 18 Mar 11 Mar 5 Mar 1 Feb 24 Feb 20 Feb 15 Feb 10 Feb 2
Last 20° Mar 24 Mar 19 Mar 15 Mar 11 Mar 8 Mar 5 Mar 1 Feb 25 Feb 20
Last 24° Apr 10 Apr 4 Apr 1 Mar 28 Mar 25 Mar 22 Mar 19 Mar 16 Mar 10
Last 28° Apr 19 Apr 15 Apr 12 Apr 10 Apr 7 Apr 5 Apr 3 Mar 31 Mar 27
Last 32° May 1 Apr 27 Apr 23 Apr 20 Apr 17 Apr 15 Apr 12 Apr 8 Apr 4
Last 36° May 15 May 10 May 7 May 4 May 1 Apr 28 Apr 25 Apr 21 Apr 17

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Saint Meinrad, IN, 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 October 11, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By October 19, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By October 27, 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 October 27 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° Nov 13 Nov 21 Nov 26 Dec 1 Dec 6 Dec 11 Dec 16 Dec 22 Dec 30
First 20° Nov 3 Nov 10 Nov 14 Nov 18 Nov 22 Nov 26 Nov 30 Dec 5 Dec 11
First 24° Oct 28 Nov 3 Nov 7 Nov 10 Nov 14 Nov 17 Nov 21 Nov 25 Dec 1
First 28° Oct 13 Oct 18 Oct 22 Oct 25 Oct 28 Oct 30 Nov 2 Nov 6 Nov 11
First 32° Oct 7 Oct 11 Oct 14 Oct 17 Oct 19 Oct 21 Oct 24 Oct 27 Oct 31
First 36° Sep 24 Sep 29 Oct 2 Oct 5 Oct 7 Oct 10 Oct 13 Oct 16 Oct 20

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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