Frost Dates for Sioux Falls, SD
In Sioux Falls, SD, the average last spring frost is around Apr 26 and the average first fall frost around Oct 13, for a growing season of about 169 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 9, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Sioux Falls Wfo Airport, SD weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 1,430 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 9 | Sep 28 |
| 20% | May 5 | Oct 4 |
| 30% | May 2 | Oct 6 |
| 40% | Apr 29 | Oct 11 |
| 50% | Apr 26 | Oct 13 |
| 60% | Apr 23 | Oct 16 |
| 70% | Apr 19 | Oct 20 |
| 80% | Apr 16 | Oct 23 |
| 90% | Apr 10 | Oct 28 |
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 6 | Oct 2 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 26 | Oct 13 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 15 | Oct 24 |
Planting calendar for Sioux Falls
Transplant May 3 – May 17
Transplant May 10 – May 24
Transplant May 10 – May 24
Transplant May 3 – May 17
Sow or transplant May 3 – May 17
Sow or transplant May 3 – May 17
Sow or transplant May 10 – May 24
Sow or transplant Mar 29 – Apr 12
Fall sowing Aug 18 – Sep 15
Fall sowing Aug 18 – Sep 8
Fall sowing Aug 4 – Aug 18
Sow or transplant Mar 29 – Apr 12
Fall sowing Aug 4 – Sep 1
Transplant Apr 12 – Apr 26
Fall sowing Jul 21 – Aug 4
Transplant Apr 5 – Apr 19
Fall sowing Jul 21 – Aug 4
Fall sowing Jul 21 – Aug 4
Fall sowing Sep 1 – Sep 22
Fall sowing Aug 4 – Aug 18
Plant Mar 29 – Apr 12
Based on the average last frost (Apr 26) and first frost (Oct 13). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.