Farmer’s Almanac Predicts First Frost Dates of 2026 for IN, KY, & IL
If you're not quite ready to say goodbye to summer, you're definitely not alone. After months of sunshine, backyard cookouts, and pool days, it can be hard to imagine swapping flip-flops for hoodies. But after the scorching summer we've had, the thought of crisp mornings, colorful leaves, and cozy evenings is starting to sound pretty nice.
Of course, fall also means football games under the Friday night lights, pumpkin patches, apple cider, and every pumpkin-spiced treat you can imagine. It also brings one important milestone for gardeners: the first frost of the season.
How the Old Farmer's Almanac Calculates Frost Dates
The Old Farmer's Almanac, using historical weather patterns and data from NOAA, has released its estimated first frost dates for 2026. A first frost generally occurs when air temperatures fall to around 32 degrees. Keep in mind that frost can actually form on plants even when the thermometer reads a few degrees above freezing, thanks to cooler temperatures right at ground level. That's why late-season favorites like tomatoes, peppers, basil, and other tender plants can sometimes be damaged earlier than expected.
The exact timing depends on where you live, and even communities just a few miles apart can see different first frost dates.
Estimated First Frost Dates in Indiana
- Evansville — November 4
- Newburgh — October 30
- Mount Vernon — October 21
- Boonville — October 21
- Jasper — October 18
- Indianapolis — October 16
Estimated First Frost Dates in Kentucky
- Henderson — October 20
- Owensboro — October 27
- Lexington — October 23
- Louisville — November 5
Estimated First Frost Dates in Illinois
- Carmi — October 12
- Carbondale — October 18
- Harrisburg — October 21
- Chicago — November 1
If you don't see your hometown on the list, don't worry. The Old Farmer's Almanac has an easy-to-use frost date calculator that lets you search by city, state, or ZIP code to find the estimated first frost date for your area.
Identifying Fall Leaves
Gallery Credit: Ashley S.
