Frost dates for 57021Davis, SD
The average last spring frost in Davis is May 2 and the average first fall frost is October 1, giving a typical growing season of about 151 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
- Average last spring frost
- May 2
- Average first fall frost
- Oct 1
- Growing season
- 151 days
Safer after May 15 (1-in-10 risk)
Possible by Sep 17 (1-in-10 risk)
Last frost typically in 180 days
Frost risk by date
NOAA reports frost dates as probabilities. The middle date is the average (a 50% chance). For spring, the 10% date is a safer planting date: frost after it happens in about 1 year in 10. Light frost (36°F) can damage tender plants; a hard freeze (28°F) kills most annuals.
| Temperature | Last spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chance | First fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chance | Growing season (50%) | Years with at least one |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | May 1 · May 13 · May 25 | Sep 9 · Sep 22 · Oct 5 | 133 days | 100% |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 19 · May 2 · May 15 | Sep 17 · Oct 1 · Oct 14 | 151 days | 100% |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 9 · Apr 24 · May 6 | Sep 27 · Oct 11 · Oct 25 | 169 days | 100% |
Planting calendar for Davis
Planting windows from the University of Maryland Extension calendar, shifted to your average frost dates. Use them as a starting point and adjust for seed packet instructions and local conditions.
| Crop | Task | Window |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors | Apr 1 – Jun 7 |
| Tomatoes | Transplant outdoors | May 18 – Jun 11 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors | Apr 1 – May 2 |
| Peppers | Transplant outdoors | Jun 1 – Jul 2 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors | Apr 18 – May 17 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | Jun 1 – Jul 2 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors | Jun 1 – Jun 21 |
| Summer squash | Sow outdoors | May 18 – Jul 2 |
| Winter squash & pumpkins | Sow outdoors | Jun 1 – Jul 2 |
| Snap beans | Sow outdoors | May 18 – Jul 14 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors | May 18 – Jun 11 |
| Watermelon & cantaloupe | Sow outdoors | Jun 1 – Jul 2 |
| Okra | Sow outdoors | May 25 – Jun 17 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors (spring) | Apr 1 – May 17 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors (spring) | Apr 1 – Jun 1 |
| Onions | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Feb 18 – Mar 17 |
| Onions | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Apr 18 – May 17 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Mar 14 – Apr 17 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Apr 18 – May 17 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jun 1 – Jun 11 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Jul 1 – Jul 12 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Mar 4 – Apr 1 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Apr 1 – May 2 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (fall) | May 22 – Jun 21 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Jun 21 – Jul 22 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (spring) | Apr 1 – Jun 17 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jun 21 – Aug 7 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 25 – May 8 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 8 – Aug 12 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (spring) | Apr 1 – May 22 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jun 21 – Aug 22 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (spring) | Apr 18 – May 8 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jun 14 – Jul 22 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (spring) | May 2 – Jun 17 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (fall) | May 22 – Jul 7 |
| Garlic | Plant outdoors (fall) | Sep 21 – Oct 22 |
Where these dates come from
ZIP code 57021 is matched to the NOAA station Centerville 6 Se, SD, 27.8 km away, at 1,276 ft elevation (13 ft higher than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:
| Station | Elevation | Avg last frost | Avg first frost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centerville 6 Se, SD (used) | 1,276 ft | May 2 | Oct 1 |
| Canton, SD | 1,316 ft | May 2 | Oct 2 |
| Sioux Falls Wfo Ap, SD | 1,430 ft | Apr 26 | Oct 13 |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 1,430 ft | May 1 | Oct 6 |
Frost dates near Davis
- Lennox, SD 57039 · last May 2, first Oct 2
- Chancellor, SD 57015 · last May 1, first Oct 6
- Viborg, SD 57070 · last May 2, first Oct 1
- Hurley, SD 57036 · last May 1, first Oct 4
- Parker, SD 57053 · last Apr 30, first Oct 7
- Worthing, SD 57077 · last May 2, first Oct 2
- Centerville, SD 57014 · last May 2, first Oct 1
- Tea, SD 57064 · last May 1, first Oct 6
Frequently asked questions
- When is the last frost in Davis, SD?
- For ZIP code 57021, the average last spring frost (32°F) is May 2, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Centerville 6 Se, SD weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after May 15.
- When is the first frost in Davis, SD?
- The average first fall frost (32°F) is October 1. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by September 17, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
- How long is the growing season in 57021?
- In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 151 days long.
- Are these frost dates a forecast?
- No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.