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Soil Temperature in Illinois

The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Illinois is 64°F, based on 3 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 62°F to 66°F. Last updated May 18, 2026.

Current Planting Conditions

Prime cool-season planting conditions in Illinois with soil averaging 64°F at 2 inches. The spring fertilizer and overseeding window is active. This is the ideal range for tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass establishment.

Monitoring Stations in Illinois (3)

Station2" TempLast Reading
Mason #1 (Mason)65°F2026-05-18
Champaign 9 SW66°F2026-05-18
Shabbona 5 NNE62°F2026-05-18

Cities in Illinois (62)

Cities in Illinois with current soil temperature readings
CityZIPCurrent TempDistance from state center
Arlington Heights60004—156 mi
Aurora60502—130 mi
Barrington60010—156 mi
Belleville62220—114 mi
Bensenville60105—148 mi
Bloomingdale60108—144 mi
Bloomington61701—32 mi
Bolingbrook60440—128 mi
Carbondale62901—160 mi
Carol Stream60116—141 mi
Champaign61820—51 mi
Chicago60290—149 mi
Chicago Heights60411—132 mi
Crystal Lake60012—160 mi
Danville61832—84 mi
Decatur62521—19 mi
Des Plaines60016—154 mi
Downers Grove60515—136 mi
East Peoria61611—47 mi
East Saint Louis62201—109 mi
Edwardsville62025—95 mi
Elgin60120—146 mi
Elk Grove Village60007—150 mi
Evanston60201—160 mi
Fox Valley60597—129 mi
Galesburg61401—88 mi
Glen Ellyn60137—139 mi
Glenview60025—158 mi
Hinsdale60521—138 mi
Hoffman Estates60169—150 mi
Jacksonville62650—59 mi
Joliet60431—119 mi
Libertyville60048—168 mi
Loves Park61111—158 mi
Mascoutah62224—112 mi
Mchenry60050—165 mi
Melrose Park60160—146 mi
Moline61265—121 mi
Naperville60540—131 mi
Normal61761—34 mi
North Chicago60064—172 mi
Northbrook60062—160 mi
Oak Lawn60453—138 mi
Oak Park60301—147 mi
Orland Park60462—130 mi
Palatine60038—155 mi
Pekin61554—43 mi
Peoria61601—50 mi
Plainfield60544—120 mi
Quincy62301—116 mi
Rock Island61201—123 mi
Rockford61101—156 mi
Saint Charles60174—138 mi
Schaumburg60159—149 mi
Skokie60076—158 mi
Springfield62701—29 mi
Tinley Park60477—129 mi
Urbana61801—53 mi
Waukegan60079—175 mi
West Chicago60185—138 mi
Wheaton60187—139 mi
Wood Dale60191—147 mi

Soil Temperature FAQ for Illinois

What is the current soil temperature in Illinois?

The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Illinois is 64°F, based on 3 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 62°F to 66°F depending on location and elevation.

When should I apply pre-emergent in Illinois?

Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil at 2 inches reaches 55°F for several consecutive days. Timing varies across Illinois, so check your city's page for station-specific readings and the pre-emergent timing recommendation.

When can I plant grass seed in Illinois?

Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) can be seeded when soil holds between 50 and 65°F. Warm-season grasses (bermuda, zoysia) need soil above 65°F. Timing varies by location, so check your city's planting window for the dates specific to your area.