Frost Dates for Aberdeen, SD
In Aberdeen, SD, the average last spring frost is around May 8 and the average first fall frost around Sep 29, for a growing season of about 144 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 21, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Aberdeen 3 E, SD weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 1,301 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 21 | Sep 17 |
| 20% | May 17 | Sep 21 |
| 30% | May 14 | Sep 24 |
| 40% | May 11 | Sep 27 |
| 50% | May 8 | Sep 29 |
| 60% | May 6 | Oct 1 |
| 70% | May 3 | Oct 3 |
| 80% | Apr 30 | Oct 7 |
| 90% | Apr 25 | Oct 11 |
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 18 | Sep 21 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | May 8 | Sep 29 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 29 | Oct 7 |
Planting calendar for Aberdeen
Transplant May 15 – May 29
Transplant May 22 – Jun 5
Transplant May 22 – Jun 5
Transplant May 15 – May 29
Sow or transplant May 15 – May 29
Sow or transplant May 15 – May 29
Sow or transplant May 22 – Jun 5
Sow or transplant Apr 10 – Apr 24
Fall sowing Aug 4 – Sep 1
Fall sowing Aug 4 – Aug 25
Fall sowing Jul 21 – Aug 4
Sow or transplant Apr 10 – Apr 24
Fall sowing Jul 21 – Aug 18
Transplant Apr 24 – May 8
Fall sowing Jul 7 – Jul 21
Transplant Apr 17 – May 1
Fall sowing Jul 7 – Jul 21
Fall sowing Jul 7 – Jul 21
Fall sowing Aug 18 – Sep 8
Fall sowing Jul 21 – Aug 4
Plant Apr 10 – Apr 24
Based on the average last frost (May 8) and first frost (Sep 29). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.