In Oklahoma, the last spring frost usually comes between April 4 and April 19, and the first fall frost between October 21 and November 1, depending on where you live. Most of Oklahoma is in USDA hardiness zones 7a to 8a.
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 Oklahoma 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | 7b | April 10 | April 20 | Oct. 29 |
| Tulsa | 7b | April 5 | April 15 | Oct. 30 |
| Lawton | 7b | April 3 | April 14 | Nov. 1 |
| Enid | 7a | April 12 | April 21 | Oct. 27 |
| Stillwater | 7a | April 12 | April 21 | Oct. 24 |
| Muskogee | 7b | April 9 | April 20 | Oct. 28 |
| Bartlesville | 7a | April 18 | April 28 | Oct. 15 |
| Shawnee | 7b | April 5 | April 16 | Oct. 31 |
| Ardmore | 8a | March 28 | April 9 | Nov. 4 |
| Ponca City | 7a | April 17 | April 27 | Oct. 22 |
Frost dates vary a lot across Oklahoma. Among the cities above, Ardmore has the earliest last frost (around March 28) and Bartlesville the latest (around April 18), 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 Oklahoma
Most of Oklahoma is in USDA hardiness zones 7a to 8a. A typical frost-free growing season lasts about 222 days, longer in the warmest areas and shorter in the coldest.
Find planting dates for the main zones in Oklahoma:
- Zone 7 (about 84% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 8 (about 14% 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 Oklahoma?
It depends on where you live. Across most of Oklahoma, the last spring frost comes between April 4 and April 19. In Oklahoma City, it is around April 10.
When is the first frost in Oklahoma?
Across most of Oklahoma, the first fall frost comes between October 21 and November 1. In Oklahoma City, it is around October 29.
What planting zone is Oklahoma?
Most of Oklahoma is in USDA hardiness zones 7a to 8a. Enter your ZIP code above to find your exact zone.
When can I plant tomatoes in Oklahoma?
Plant tomatoes outside after your last frost, once nights stay above 50 °F. In Oklahoma City, the safer date, with only a 10% chance of a later frost, is around April 20. See when to plant tomatoes in zone 7.
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.