Soil Temperature in Illinois
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Illinois is 80°F, based on 3 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 74°F to 86°F. Last updated July 2, 2026.
Current Planting Conditions
Summer conditions across Illinois with soil averaging 80°F at 2 inches. Warm-season grasses are in peak growth; keep cool-season lawns mowed high and watered deep. The next application windows arrive in fall, starting with pre-emergent as soil falls back through 70°F.
Grass Seed Germination in Illinois
Grass seed germination
Grass seed germination temperatures across Illinois. Soil warmth varies by location, so check a city page for the live reading and what germinates there now.
| Grass species | Germination optimum | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky bluegrass | 59–86°F | 14-30 |
| Tall fescue | 68–86°F | 7-12 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 68–86°F | 5-10 |
| Fine fescue | 59–77°F | 7-14 |
| Bermudagrass | 75–85°F | 10-30 |
Monitoring Stations in Illinois (3)
For root-zone timing (fertilizer, aeration, weed control), see the 4-inch soil temperature for Illinois. For accumulated-heat timing, see growing degree days for Illinois. See the Illinois soil temperature map for the full station view.
| Station | 2" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Mason #1 (Mason) | 80°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Champaign 9 SW | 86°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Shabbona 5 NNE | 74°F | 2026-07-02 |
Cities in Illinois (62)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Arlington Heights | 60004 | 74°F |
| Aurora | 60502 | 74°F |
| Barrington | 60010 | 74°F |
| Belleville | 62220 | 85°F |
| Bensenville | 60105 | 74°F |
| Bloomingdale | 60108 | 74°F |
| Bloomington | 61701 | 86°F |
| Bolingbrook | 60440 | 74°F |
| Carbondale | 62901 | 77°F* |
| Carol Stream | 60116 | 74°F |
| Champaign | 61820 | 86°F |
| Chicago | 60290 | 74°F |
| Chicago Heights | 60411 | 74°F |
| Crystal Lake | 60012 | 74°F |
| Danville | 61832 | 86°F |
| Decatur | 62521 | 86°F |
| Des Plaines | 60016 | 74°F |
| Downers Grove | 60515 | 74°F |
| East Peoria | 61611 | 80°F |
| East Saint Louis | 62201 | 85°F |
| Edwardsville | 62025 | 80°F |
| Elgin | 60120 | 74°F |
| Elk Grove Village | 60007 | 74°F |
| Evanston | 60201 | 74°F |
| Fox Valley | 60597 | 74°F |
| Galesburg | 61401 | 80°F |
| Glen Ellyn | 60137 | 74°F |
| Glenview | 60025 | 74°F |
| Hinsdale | 60521 | 74°F |
| Hoffman Estates | 60169 | 74°F |
| Jacksonville | 62650 | 80°F |
| Joliet | 60431 | 74°F |
| Libertyville | 60048 | 74°F |
| Loves Park | 61111 | 74°F |
| Mascoutah | 62224 | 85°F |
| Mchenry | 60050 | 74°F |
| Melrose Park | 60160 | 74°F |
| Moline | 61265 | 74°F* |
| Naperville | 60540 | 74°F |
| Normal | 61761 | 86°F |
| North Chicago | 60064 | 74°F |
| Northbrook | 60062 | 74°F |
| Oak Lawn | 60453 | 74°F |
| Oak Park | 60301 | 74°F |
| Orland Park | 60462 | 74°F |
| Palatine | 60038 | 74°F |
| Pekin | 61554 | 80°F |
| Peoria | 61601 | 80°F |
| Plainfield | 60544 | 74°F |
| Quincy | 62301 | 80°F |
| Rock Island | 61201 | 74°F* |
| Rockford | 61101 | 74°F |
| Saint Charles | 60174 | 74°F |
| Schaumburg | 60159 | 74°F |
| Skokie | 60076 | 74°F |
| Springfield | 62701 | 80°F |
| Tinley Park | 60477 | 74°F |
| Urbana | 61801 | 86°F |
| Waukegan | 60079 | 74°F |
| West Chicago | 60185 | 74°F |
| Wheaton | 60187 | 74°F |
| Wood Dale | 60191 | 74°F |
Modeled estimate from Open-Meteo where no monitoring station is within 75 miles; all other readings are measured at USDA and NOAA stations.
Lawn Care Timing Guides for Illinois
- When to Apply Broadleaf Weed Killer on Cool-Season Lawns in Spring
Spring broadleaf timing for Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, perennial ryegrass, and the cool-season blends.
- How to Identify and Kill Nutsedge in Your Lawn
Nutsedge is a sedge, not a grass, which is why standard weed control fails.
- How to Apply Liquid Pre-Emergent Herbicide
Learn how to mix, calibrate, and spray liquid pre-emergent herbicide.
- Grass Seed Germination Soil Temperature by Species
The soil temperature each grass species needs to germinate, from 15+ university extensions: tall fescue and perennial ryegrass 68-86°F, Kentucky bluegrass 59-86°F, fine fescue 59-77°F, cool-season 50°F trigger, warm-season 65°F.
Soil Temperature FAQ for Illinois
What is the current soil temperature in Illinois?
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Illinois is 80°F, based on 3 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 74°F to 86°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.