Frost Dates for Rochester, MN
In Rochester, MN, the average last spring frost is around Apr 30 and the average first fall frost around Oct 6, for a growing season of about 159 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 13, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Rochester Intl. Airport, MN weather station, 8 miles away, elevation 1,304 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 13 | Sep 22 |
| 20% | May 8 | Sep 27 |
| 30% | May 5 | Oct 1 |
| 40% | May 2 | Oct 4 |
| 50% | Apr 30 | Oct 6 |
| 60% | Apr 28 | Oct 9 |
| 70% | Apr 24 | Oct 12 |
| 80% | Apr 21 | Oct 16 |
| 90% | Apr 15 | Oct 20 |
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 9 | Sep 28 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 30 | Oct 6 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 18 | Oct 17 |
Planting calendar for Rochester
Transplant May 7 – May 21
Transplant May 14 – May 28
Transplant May 14 – May 28
Transplant May 7 – May 21
Sow or transplant May 7 – May 21
Sow or transplant May 7 – May 21
Sow or transplant May 14 – May 28
Sow or transplant Apr 2 – Apr 16
Fall sowing Aug 11 – Sep 8
Fall sowing Aug 11 – Sep 1
Fall sowing Jul 28 – Aug 11
Sow or transplant Apr 2 – Apr 16
Fall sowing Jul 28 – Aug 25
Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 30
Fall sowing Jul 14 – Jul 28
Transplant Apr 9 – Apr 23
Fall sowing Jul 14 – Jul 28
Fall sowing Jul 14 – Jul 28
Fall sowing Aug 25 – Sep 15
Fall sowing Jul 28 – Aug 11
Plant Apr 2 – Apr 16
Based on the average last frost (Apr 30) and first frost (Oct 6). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.