Last frost date in Iowa City, Iowa
April 21
Average last frost in spring. In an early year (1 in 10) it's over by April 5; in a late year (1 in 10) it comes after May 6.
October 18
Average first frost in fall. 1 year in 10 it comes by October 4.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Iowa City Muni AP (USW00014937), 1.7 miles from Iowa City, elevation 650 ft. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. These are long-term averages, not a forecast.
This station is also the nearest one for Coralville and North Liberty, so their frost dates are the same as Iowa City's.
| Early year | Average | Late year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last frost in spring | Apr 5 | Apr 21 | May 6 |
| First frost in fall | Oct 4 | Oct 18 | Oct 31 |
Frost-free days in an average year: 180
| Chance in a year | Average last in spring | Average first in fall | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Every year | May 1 | Oct 9 |
| Frost (32°F) | Every year | Apr 21 | Oct 18 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Every year | Apr 9 | Oct 28 |
Nights at 32°F or colder in an average year: 135
What to plant now in Iowa City
- Spring planting calendar for an average last frost around April 20 Iowa City: April 21
- Fall planting calendar for an average first frost around October 20 Iowa City: October 18
Planting dates: USDA Home and Garden Bulletin No. 9 (1967), “Suburban and Farm Vegetable Gardens,” tables 4 and 5. How we match the table.
Nearby in Iowa
- Cedar Rapids 23 mi · last frost Apr 27
- Marion 27 mi · last frost Apr 28
- Muscatine 29 mi · last frost Apr 24
- Davenport 48 mi · last frost Apr 19
- Bettendorf 55 mi · last frost Apr 16