In Nebraska, the last spring frost usually comes between April 27 and May 12, and the first fall frost between September 27 and October 14, depending on where you live. Most of Nebraska is in USDA hardiness zones 5a to 6a.
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 Nebraska 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | 6a | April 23 | April 30 | Oct. 15 |
| Lincoln | 6a | May 1 | May 8 | Oct. 3 |
| Grand Island | 5b | April 29 | May 6 | Oct. 8 |
| Kearney | 5b | May 4 | May 12 | Oct. 3 |
| Fremont | 5b | April 29 | May 6 | Oct. 8 |
| Norfolk | 5b | May 7 | May 16 | Sep. 29 |
| North Platte | 5b | May 8 | May 15 | Oct. 4 |
| Columbus | 5b | April 27 | May 5 | Oct. 9 |
| Scottsbluff | 5b | May 13 | May 21 | Sep. 27 |
| South Sioux City | 5a | May 4 | May 11 | Oct. 1 |
Frost dates vary a lot across Nebraska. Among the cities above, Omaha has the earliest last frost (around April 23) and Scottsbluff the latest (around May 13), 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 Nebraska
Most of Nebraska is in USDA hardiness zones 5a to 6a. A typical frost-free growing season lasts about 173 days, longer in the warmest areas and shorter in the coldest.
Find planting dates for the main zones in Nebraska:
- Zone 5 (about 67% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 6 (about 33% 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 Nebraska?
It depends on where you live. Across most of Nebraska, the last spring frost comes between April 27 and May 12. In Omaha, it is around April 23.
When is the first frost in Nebraska?
Across most of Nebraska, the first fall frost comes between September 27 and October 14. In Omaha, it is around October 15.
What planting zone is Nebraska?
Most of Nebraska is in USDA hardiness zones 5a to 6a. Enter your ZIP code above to find your exact zone.
When can I plant tomatoes in Nebraska?
Plant tomatoes outside after your last frost, once nights stay above 50 °F. In Omaha, the safer date, with only a 10% chance of a later frost, is around April 30. See when to plant tomatoes in zone 6.
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.