First and last freeze dates in Ottumwa, IA
The first freeze of fall (a low of 32°F or colder) typically comes around Oct 12, and the last freeze of spring around Apr 23.
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 12Median first fall freeze (≤32°F)
Apr 23Median last spring freeze (≤32°F)
176Median freeze-free days between
First and last freeze dates in Ottumwa
| Threshold | Event | Median date | Typical range (10th–90th pct) | Earliest / latest | Years with one |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F or colder (freeze) | First in fall | Oct 12 | Sep 28 – Oct 28 | Sep 15 (2007) / Nov 4 (1998) | 100% |
| 32°F or colder (freeze) | Last in spring | Apr 23 | Apr 6 – May 5 | – | 100% |
| 28°F or colder (hard freeze) | First in fall | Oct 24 | Oct 10 – Nov 2 | Oct 2 (2003) / Nov 12 (2016) | 100% |
| 28°F or colder (hard freeze) | Last in spring | Apr 13 | Mar 26 – Apr 24 | – | 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 176 days.
Nearby weather stations
- Iowa City, IA
- Cedar Rapids, IA
- Des Moines, IA
- Burlington (Iowa), IA
- Waterloo, IA
- Moline (Quad Cities), IL
Source station: Ottumwa Ind Ap (USW00014950), elevation 834 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).