Frost Dates for Cincinnati, OH 45238

Last spring frost April 19 · First fall frost October 17 · 181 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6b

Frost probability for 45238

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)May 3April 19April 4
Fall (first frost)October 5October 17October 30

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (5.2 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Cincinnati, OH

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
45238April 19October 176b
45231April 19October 176b
45211April 19October 176b
45215April 19October 176b
45239April 19October 176b
45240April 19October 176b
45244April 19October 176b
45230April 19October 176b
45236April 19October 176b
45241April 19October 176b
45247April 19October 176b
45242April 19October 176b
45248April 19October 176b
45255April 17October 236b
45224April 19October 176b
45212April 19October 176b
45237April 19October 176b
45251April 19October 176b
45245April 17October 236b
45219April 19October 176b
45227April 19October 176b
45205April 19October 176b
45208April 19October 176b
45202April 19October 176b
45243April 19October 176b
45233April 19October 176b
45249April 25October 136b
45223April 19October 176b
45220April 19October 176b
45229April 19October 176b
45246April 19October 176b
45213April 19October 176b
45209April 19October 176b
45206April 19October 176b
45225April 19October 176b
45216April 19October 176b
45214April 19October 176b
45204April 19October 176b
45207April 19October 176b
45217April 19October 176b
45232April 19October 176b
45226April 19October 176b
45252April 19October 176b
45218April 19October 176b
45203April 19October 176b
45267April 19October 176b

Month by month in Cincinnati

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryPlan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates.
FebruaryStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around April 19). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost.
MarchStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
AprilLast frost around April 19. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
MayFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
JuneSuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
JulyHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
AugustMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
SeptemberFirst fall frost approaching (around October 17). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
OctoberFirst frost around October 17. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
NovemberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.
DecemberClean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden.

What grows in a 181-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Cincinnati, OH (ZIP 45238)?

The median last spring frost date for Cincinnati, OH (ZIP code 45238) is around April 19. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.

What is the first fall frost date in Cincinnati, OH?

The median first fall frost date for Cincinnati, OH is around October 17. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.

How long is the growing season in Cincinnati, OH?

The frost-free growing season in Cincinnati is about 181 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side.

What USDA hardiness zone is Cincinnati, OH?

Based on frost date patterns, Cincinnati falls approximately in 6b. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.

When should I start tomatoes indoors in Cincinnati, OH?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around April 19). For Cincinnati, that's roughly February 23 to March 8. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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