When to plant in Aurora, IL
USDA Zone 5bHere are the average frost dates, USDA hardiness zone, and a month-by-month planting calendar for Aurora, Illinois — all computed from Aurora's nearest NOAA weather station.
In zone 5b, Aurora gardeners can grow many hardy perennials, while the last and first frost still dictate the annual vegetable calendar.
Frost probability
AURORA · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Aurora’s own odds, recorded at AURORA.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 19 | May 1 | Apr 17 | Sep 29 | Oct 13 | Oct 25 |
| 32°F | May 4 | Apr 19 | Apr 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 23 | Nov 3 |
| 28°F | Apr 23 | Apr 8 | Mar 25 | Oct 21 | Nov 2 | Nov 16 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Aurora, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 17 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Aurora planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Aurora, IL?
On average, the last spring frost in Aurora is around April 19 (50% probability at 32°F, from 1991–2020 NOAA normals). Wait until after this date to set out tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first fall frost in Aurora, IL?
The first fall frost in Aurora typically arrives around October 23 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Aurora in?
Aurora is in USDA hardiness zone 5b. In zone 5b, winters are cold — pick cold-hardy varieties and protect tender crops.
How long is the growing season in Aurora?
Aurora has about 187 frost-free days — a moderate growing season — between the average last spring frost (April 19) and first fall frost (October 23).
When should I plant tomatoes in Aurora?
For Aurora, sow tomatoes indoors about February 22–March 8 and move the seedlings out around April 26, after the last spring frost.
Never miss a window in Aurora
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Aurora’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- North Aurora · 7 km
- Montgomery · 7 km
- Batavia · 10 km
- Oswego · 10 km
- Warrenville · 11 km
- Naperville · 11 km
- Geneva · 14 km
- West Chicago · 16 km
Frost dates recorded at AURORA, 2 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Aurora, IL — Frost Dates & Zone 5b." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USC00110338. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/illinois/aurora.