When is the last frost in Topeka, KS?

The average last spring frost (50% probability of 32°F) in Topeka is around April 16, based on NOAA/NCEI 1991–2020 normals at the Topeka - Nws, KS station (2.6 mi away). Half of years it falls outside that date, so wait 1–2 weeks past it before setting out frost-tender plants.

When is the first fall frost in Topeka?

The average first fall frost in Topeka, KS is around October 22, giving roughly a 189-day frost-free growing season.

What planting zone is Topeka, KS?

Topeka is in USDA plant hardiness zone 6b (average annual extreme minimum temperature -5 to 0°F), from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

What is the weather like in Topeka?

In Topeka, KS the warmest month is July (avg high 90.2°F) and the coldest is January (avg low 20°F). It averages about 36.5″ of precipitation a year and 17.1″ of snow.

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Topeka, KS Planting Calendar & Frost Dates

USDA hardiness zone 6b · ZIP 66603 · elevation 267′ · NOAA & USDA data

Topeka is in USDA hardiness zone 6b (winters can dip to -5 to 0°F), with a growing season of about 189 days between the average last spring frost (April 16) and first fall frost (October 22). The warmest month is July (avg high 90.2°F); the coldest is January (avg low 20°F). It averages 36.5″ of precipitation a year and 17.1″ of snow, mostly mid-winter. Start cool-season crops several weeks before the last frost; wait until after it for tomatoes, peppers and other tender crops.

Hardiness zone

min temp -5 to 0°F

Last spring frost

April 16

avg (50% prob, 32°F)

First fall frost

October 22

avg (50% prob, 32°F)

Growing season

189 days

frost-free window

Warmest month

July

avg high 90.2°F

Month-by-month typical weather in Topeka

Average conditions from the NOAA/NCEI 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals at Topeka Muni Ap, KS (2.8 mi away). Temperatures °F, precipitation & snow in inches.

Month	Avg high	Avg low	Mean	Precip (in)	Snow (in)
January	40.4	20	30.2	0.9	4.6
February	45.7	24.2	34.9	1.3	5.2
March	57.1	34.1	45.6	2.3	1.7
April	67	43.9	55.5	3.8	0.1
May	76.4	55	65.7	5.2	0
June	85.8	65.2	75.5	4.9	0
July	90.2	69.3	79.8	4	0
August	88.9	66.8	77.9	4.6	0
September	81	57.5	69.2	3.5	0
October	68.9	45.1	57	2.9	0.4
November	55.2	33.1	44.2	1.8	1
December	43.8	24	33.9	1.5	4.1

What to plant when in Topeka

Crop	Season	What to do & when
Tomatoes	warm	Start seeds indoors: March 5 · Transplant out: April 23
Peppers	warm	Start seeds indoors: February 19 · Transplant out: April 30
Cucumbers	warm	Direct sow: April 23
Zucchini / squash	warm	Direct sow: April 23
Bush beans	warm	Direct sow: April 23
Sweet corn	warm	Direct sow: April 23
Basil	warm	Transplant out: April 23
Peas	cool	Sow (spring): March 12 · Sow (fall): August 27
Spinach	cool	Sow (spring): March 5 · Sow (fall): August 27
Lettuce	cool	Sow (spring): March 19 · Sow (fall): August 27
Kale	cool	Transplant (spring): March 26 · Sow (fall): August 13
Broccoli	cool	Transplant (spring): April 2
Carrots	cool	Sow (spring): March 26 · Sow (fall): August 13
Onions	cool	Transplant (spring): March 19
Potatoes	cool	Plant seed potatoes: April 2
Radishes	cool	Sow (spring): March 19 · Sow (fall): September 10

Dates are computed from Topeka's average frost dates using standard cool-/warm-season timing. They're a starting point — a cold spring, a warm microclimate, or a fast-maturing variety can shift them by a week or two.

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Gear that helps you plant on time

Some links below are Amazon affiliate links (tag theboringthin-20). If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it keeps this almanac free. We only list generic, genuinely-useful categories.

Soil thermometer →Know when the ground is warm enough to sow — the honest signal, not the calendar.Seed-starting trays + dome →Start tomatoes & peppers indoors on the schedule below.Seedling heat mat →Warms the soil for faster, more even germination indoors.Floating row cover / frost cloth →Buys you 4–8°F to beat an early or late frost.Raised garden bed kit →Warms and drains faster in spring than in-ground soil.Garden gloves →Basic kit for transplant day.

Nearby cities in Kansas

Lawrence, KS Olathe, KS Manhattan, KS Lenexa, KS Shawnee, KS Overland Park, KS Kansas City, KS Salina, KS

Sources & method. Hardiness zone: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). Frost dates & growing season: NOAA/NCEI 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest station with published freeze normals — Topeka - Nws, KS, 2.6 mi (confidence: high). Monthly weather normals: Topeka Muni Ap, KS, 2.8 mi (confidence: high). ZIP centroid from U.S. Census 2023 ZCTA data. Frost dates are the 50%-probability date — half of years frost occurs outside the stated date. Nothing here is invented; where the nearest station is far, we say so. Last updated 2026-07-22.