Last frost date in Des Moines, Iowa
April 18
Average last frost in spring. In an early year (1 in 10) it's over by April 4; in a late year (1 in 10) it comes after May 2.
October 20
Average first frost in fall. 1 year in 10 it comes by October 4.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Des Moines International AP (USW00014933), 3.5 miles from Des Moines, elevation 957 ft. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. These are long-term averages, not a forecast.
This station is also the nearest one for Clive, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Waukee and West Des Moines, so their frost dates are the same as Des Moines's.
| Early year | Average | Late year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last frost in spring | Apr 4 | Apr 18 | May 2 |
| First frost in fall | Oct 4 | Oct 20 | Nov 1 |
Frost-free days in an average year: 184
| Chance in a year | Average last in spring | Average first in fall | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Every year | Apr 29 | Oct 9 |
| Frost (32°F) | Every year | Apr 18 | Oct 20 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Every year | Apr 8 | Oct 30 |
Nights at 32°F or colder in an average year: 128
What to plant now in Des Moines
- Spring planting calendar for an average last frost around April 20 Des Moines: April 18
- Fall planting calendar for an average first frost around October 20 Des Moines: October 20
Planting dates: USDA Home and Garden Bulletin No. 9 (1967), “Suburban and Farm Vegetable Gardens,” tables 4 and 5. How we match the table.