First and last freeze dates in Iowa City, IA
The first freeze of fall (a low of 32°F or colder) typically comes around Oct 16, and the last freeze of spring around Apr 25.
This fall so far (data through Oct 16, 2026): no 32°F freeze recorded yet at this station. Observed data, can lag a day or two.
Oct 16Median first fall freeze (≤32°F)
Apr 25Median last spring freeze (≤32°F)
174Median freeze-free days between
First and last freeze dates in Iowa City
| Threshold | Event | Median date | Typical range (10th–90th pct) | Earliest / latest | Years with one |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F or colder (freeze) | First in fall | Oct 16 | Oct 4 – Oct 28 | Sep 22 (1995) / Nov 11 (2016) | 100% |
| 32°F or colder (freeze) | Last in spring | Apr 25 | Apr 13 – May 9 | – | 100% |
| 28°F or colder (hard freeze) | First in fall | Oct 28 | Oct 7 – Nov 8 | Sep 23 (1995) / Nov 25 (2024) | 100% |
| 28°F or colder (hard freeze) | Last in spring | Apr 13 | Mar 26 – Apr 21 | – | 100% |
Based on the station’s daily minimum temperature, 1995–2024. “Freeze” here means a daily low at or below the threshold, which is not the same as visible frost. Your yard can differ by several degrees and days from an airport weather station, so use these as planning odds, not guarantees.
The median stretch between the last spring freeze and the first fall freeze (the freeze-free season) was about 174 days.
Nearby weather stations
Source station: Iowa City Muni Ap (USW00014937), elevation 652 ft. Data: NOAA NCEI GHCN-Daily. Computed by First Snow Dates; how we calculate this. Historical averages only; for a forecast see weather.gov.
Planning for winter? Heat pump vs gas furnace, propane and oil: heating cost in Iowa (on our sister site PlugVsPump, from EIA prices).