Frost Dates for Moorhead, MN
In Moorhead, MN, the average last spring frost is around May 5 and the average first fall frost around Oct 3, for a growing season of about 150 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 20, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Moorhead, MN weather station, 2 miles away, elevation 904 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.
Frost probability by date
Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | May 20 | Sep 22 |
| 20% | May 14 | Sep 25 |
| 30% | May 11 | Sep 28 |
| 40% | May 8 | Oct 1 |
| 50% | May 5 | Oct 3 |
| 60% | May 3 | Oct 6 |
| 70% | May 1 | Oct 9 |
| 80% | Apr 28 | Oct 13 |
| 90% | Apr 23 | Oct 18 |
Light frost vs. hard freeze
Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | May 15 | Sep 24 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | May 5 | Oct 3 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 28 | Oct 14 |
Planting calendar for Moorhead
Transplant May 12 – May 26
Transplant May 19 – Jun 2
Transplant May 19 – Jun 2
Transplant May 12 – May 26
Sow or transplant May 12 – May 26
Sow or transplant May 12 – May 26
Sow or transplant May 19 – Jun 2
Sow or transplant Apr 7 – Apr 21
Fall sowing Aug 8 – Sep 5
Fall sowing Aug 8 – Aug 29
Fall sowing Jul 25 – Aug 8
Sow or transplant Apr 7 – Apr 21
Fall sowing Jul 25 – Aug 22
Transplant Apr 21 – May 5
Fall sowing Jul 11 – Jul 25
Transplant Apr 14 – Apr 28
Fall sowing Jul 11 – Jul 25
Fall sowing Jul 11 – Jul 25
Fall sowing Aug 22 – Sep 12
Fall sowing Jul 25 – Aug 8
Plant Apr 7 – Apr 21
Based on the average last frost (May 5) and first frost (Oct 3). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.