In Minnesota, the last spring frost usually comes between May 1 and May 23, and the first fall frost between September 20 and October 6, depending on where you live. Most of Minnesota is in USDA hardiness zones 3b to 5a.
Find the frost dates for your ZIP code
Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest weather station. Zones derived from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map data (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Frost dates for Minnesota cities
Dates come from the NOAA weather station closest to each city. The last spring frost and first fall frost are the typical dates, with a 30% chance of frost after (or before) them. The safer planting date has only a 10% chance of a later spring frost: use it for tender plants like tomatoes, peppers and basil.
| City | Zone | Last frost | Safer date | First frost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis | 5a | April 30 | May 7 | Oct. 10 |
| Saint Paul | 5a | April 30 | May 10 | Oct. 10 |
| Rochester | 4b | May 5 | May 13 | Oct. 1 |
| Duluth | 4b | May 22 | June 1 | Oct. 5 |
| Saint Cloud | 4b | May 13 | May 23 | Sep. 25 |
| Moorhead | 4a | May 11 | May 20 | Sep. 28 |
| Mankato | 5a | May 4 | May 12 | Oct. 2 |
| Winona | 5a | April 28 | May 4 | Oct. 13 |
| Owatonna | 4b | May 10 | May 20 | Oct. 1 |
| Austin | 4b | May 4 | May 11 | Sep. 30 |
Frost dates vary a lot across Minnesota. Among the cities above, Winona has the earliest last frost (around April 28) and Duluth the latest (around May 22), about 3 weeks apart. Elevation, nearby water and local terrain all make a difference, so use the dates for the place closest to you, or look up your ZIP code.
Growing zones in Minnesota
Most of Minnesota is in USDA hardiness zones 3b to 5a. A typical frost-free growing season lasts about 159 days, longer in the warmest areas and shorter in the coldest.
Find planting dates for the main zones in Minnesota:
- Zone 3 (about 14% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 4 (about 59% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 5 (about 28% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
See all crops in our planting guides, or build a planting calendar for your ZIP code.
How to use frost dates
- Cool-season crops such as peas, lettuce, spinach and onions can go in several weeks before your last spring frost.
- Warm-season crops such as tomatoes, peppers, squash and beans wait until after it, when the soil has warmed.
- Fall crops are timed back from your first fall frost, and garlic and tulips are planted around it.
- Frost dates are averages. Check the forecast before setting out tender plants.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Minnesota?
It depends on where you live. Across most of Minnesota, the last spring frost comes between May 1 and May 23. In Minneapolis, it is around April 30.
When is the first frost in Minnesota?
Across most of Minnesota, the first fall frost comes between September 20 and October 6. In Minneapolis, it is around October 10.
What planting zone is Minnesota?
Most of Minnesota is in USDA hardiness zones 3b to 5a. Enter your ZIP code above to find your exact zone.
When can I plant tomatoes in Minnesota?
Plant tomatoes outside after your last frost, once nights stay above 50 °F. In Minneapolis, the safer date, with only a 10% chance of a later frost, is around May 7. See when to plant tomatoes in zone 5.
Sources. Frost dates come from the nearest NOAA weather station to each city or ZIP code. Zones come from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ZIP code data. Our zone lookup is not the official USDA map.