Weather in Lincoln, Nebraska
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Thunderstorm60%89°63°
- SundayMay 17Thunderstorm77%82°63°
- MondayMay 18Rain90%67°53°
- TuesdayMay 19Light Drizzle90%62°46°
- WednesdayMay 20Drizzle—61°43°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast11%62°46°
- FridayMay 22Showers21%63°55°
- PM 2.5
- 6.7 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 8.1 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 3.1 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 99.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 11:13 AM
- Moonset
- 2:10 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Lincoln at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 73°F — typical for the season
- Last frost: April 21 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Warm-season window is open
As of May 17, the last spring frost has passed for most years. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, and cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melons) now. Direct-sow beans and corn into warm soil.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Lincoln's warmest temperatures (~78°F mean) while January delivers the coldest (~25°F). May sees peak rainfall at 4.9 inches, with January recording the lowest at 0.7 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25° | 0.7″ | 2 |
| February | 30° | 0.9″ | 3 |
| March | 41° | 1.6″ | 4 |
| April | 52° | 2.7″ | 5 |
| May | 63° | 4.9″ | 8 |
| June | 74° | 4.5″ | 7 |
| July | 78° | 3.3″ | 6 |
| August | 76° | 3.3″ | 6 |
| September | 67° | 2.9″ | 5 |
| October | 54° | 2.1″ | 4 |
| November | 40° | 1.3″ | 2 |
| December | 29° | 1.2″ | 3 |
Regional context
Lincoln belongs to a humid subtropical climate region — sharing similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with nearby cities in this zone.
Similar climates: Beatrice, NE, Crete, NE, Nebraska City, NE, Waverly, NE, Falls City, NE.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the peak blooming of eastern cottonwoods, their seeds creating white drifts across Lincoln's landscape.
American robins typically begin their second nesting cycle in early June as daylight reaches its longest stretch.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Lincoln?
- Lincoln's last spring frost typically occurs around mid-April, while the first fall frost arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Lincoln?
- May receives the most rainfall with about 4.9 inches on average; Lincoln gets roughly 29 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Lincoln?
- July typically brings the warmest weather, averaging about 78°F.
- What is the coldest month in Lincoln?
- January typically brings the coldest temperatures, averaging about 25°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Lincoln?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-April; warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Lincoln get?
- Lincoln averages about 54 rainy days per year.
- What hardiness zone is Lincoln?
- Lincoln's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; the USDA's online lookup tool using the city ZIP code provides the current zone designation.
Climate
Lincoln, Nebraska experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. January temperatures hover near 25°F while July averages 78°F — a 53°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Lincoln receives about 29 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 54 rainy days.
Several factors determine Lincoln's weather patterns: its latitude at 40.8°N, proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These elements influence what grows here, when frost occurs, and the daily weather patterns.