Nebraska weather and outdoor projects
Nebraska has hot summers, cold winters and frequent wind, with rain decreasing from the east toward the drier west. Omaha has humid summers and spring thunderstorms, while North Platte and the west are drier with larger swings between day and night temperatures.
Late summer and early fall give the most dependable staining and painting weather. Wind is a common limit for spraying, so plan for calm mornings. Hard freezes usually begin in October, and spring frosts can come into May in the west, which limits the concrete and driveway sealing season.
Frost dates in Nebraska
In Omaha, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around April 18 and the median first fall freeze is around October 21, a frost-free season of about 185 days.
In North Platte, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around May 11 and the median first fall freeze is around October 1, a frost-free season of about 142 days.
How Nebraska compares with other states
Omaha has the 11th-most freezing nights of the 50 state main stations (134 a year). Omaha is tied for the 14th-shortest deck staining season of the 50 state main stations (4 good months). Omaha has the 14th-shortest frost-free season of the 50 state main stations (185 days).
| Measure (Omaha) | Value | Rank, highest first |
|---|---|---|
| Deck staining season | 4 good months | 20th of 50 |
| Frost-free season | 185 days | 37th of 50 |
| Freezing nights | 134 a year | 11th of 50 |
| Rainy days | 57 a year with 0.1 in or more | 35th of 50 |
| Days at 90°F or hotter | 33 a year | 23rd of 50 |
| Summer afternoons | 51% humidity at 3 PM, June–August | 18th of 47 |
Best time to stain a deck in Nebraska
In Omaha, the most reliable months are May–June and August–September. April, July and October can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 64°F, Jul 88°F, Oct 66°F). November–March is too cold, with average highs around 42°F. In April and October, nights average about 42°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. July is hot, with highs near 88°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In North Platte, the most reliable months are June and September. May and July–August can also work on the right days (average highs May 73°F, Jul 90°F, Aug 87°F). November–February is too cold, with average highs around 45°F. In March–April and October, nights average about 30°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In May, nights average about 44°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. July–August is hot, with highs near 88°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
Best time to paint outside in Nebraska
In Omaha, the most reliable months are May–June and August–September. April, July and October can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 64°F, Jul 88°F, Oct 66°F). December–February is too cold, with average highs around 37°F. In March and November, nights average about 30°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In April and October, nights average about 42°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. July is hot, with highs near 88°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In North Platte, the most reliable months are June and September. April–May, July–August and October can also work on the right days. December–February is too cold, with average highs around 42°F. In March and November, nights average about 23°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In April–May and October, nights average about 37°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. July–August is hot, with highs near 88°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
Best time to pour concrete in Nebraska
In Omaha, the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 64°F, Oct 66°F). November–March averages about 25 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. April and October bring about 5 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
In North Platte, the most reliable months are June–September. May can also work on the right days (average highs May 73°F). October–April averages about 24 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. May brings about 3 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
Best time to seal a driveway in Nebraska
In Omaha, the most reliable months are May–September. October can also work on the right days (average highs Oct 66°F). November–March is too cold, with average highs around 42°F. In April, nights average about 41°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. October is cool, with highs around 66°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
In North Platte, the most reliable months are June–August. May and September can also work on the right days (average highs May 73°F, Sep 80°F). November–March is too cold, with average highs around 47°F. In April and October, nights average about 34°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In May and September, nights average about 46°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
Best time to fertilize or treat a lawn in Nebraska
In Omaha, the most reliable months are April–June and August–October. March, July and November can also work on the right days (average highs Mar 52°F, Jul 88°F, Nov 50°F). December–February is too cold, with average highs around 37°F. March and November are cool, with highs around 51°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. July is hot, with highs near 88°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In North Platte, the most reliable months are April–June and September–October. March, July–August and November can also work on the right days. December–February is too cold, with average highs around 42°F. March and November are cool, with highs around 54°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. July–August is hot, with highs near 88°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
How the weather differs across Nebraska
| Place | Hottest month avg high | Coldest month avg low | Rain per year | Last spring freeze | First fall freeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | 88°F | 15°F | 32 in | April 18 | October 21 |
| North Platte | 90°F | 12°F | 21 in | May 11 | October 1 |
Of the places above, Omaha has the most good months for staining, painting and concrete combined (13 job-months), and North Platte has the fewest (8).
Monthly weather in Omaha
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 34°F | 15°F | 2 | 0.8 in | 59% | 30 |
| February | 39°F | 19°F | 3 | 0.9 in | 56% | 26 |
| March | 52°F | 30°F | 4 | 1.8 in | 46% | 20 |
| April | 64°F | 41°F | 6 | 3.2 in | 42% | 6 |
| May | 75°F | 53°F | 8 | 4.7 in | 46% | 0 |
| June | 84°F | 63°F | 7 | 4.4 in | 49% | 0 |
| July | 88°F | 68°F | 6 | 3.5 in | 52% | 0 |
| August | 86°F | 66°F | 6 | 4.6 in | 53% | 0 |
| September | 79°F | 56°F | 5 | 3.0 in | 47% | 0 |
| October | 66°F | 43°F | 4 | 2.3 in | 44% | 4 |
| November | 50°F | 30°F | 3 | 1.4 in | 50% | 19 |
| December | 38°F | 20°F | 3 | 1.2 in | 59% | 29 |
*Days with 0.1 inch of rain or more; column notes.
Monthly weather in North Platte
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 41°F | 12°F | 1 | 0.4 in | 47% | 31 |
| February | 44°F | 15°F | 2 | 0.6 in | 43% | 28 |
| March | 55°F | 24°F | 3 | 1.0 in | 37% | 26 |
| April | 63°F | 33°F | 5 | 2.3 in | 38% | 14 |
| May | 73°F | 44°F | 7 | 3.4 in | 43% | 3 |
| June | 84°F | 55°F | 7 | 3.5 in | 43% | 0 |
| July | 90°F | 61°F | 6 | 3.2 in | 43% | 0 |
| August | 87°F | 59°F | 5 | 2.6 in | 44% | 0 |
| September | 80°F | 48°F | 3 | 1.6 in | 37% | 1 |
| October | 66°F | 34°F | 3 | 1.6 in | 37% | 14 |
| November | 53°F | 21°F | 1 | 0.5 in | 40% | 28 |
| December | 42°F | 13°F | 1 | 0.5 in | 46% | 31 |
Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 for OMAHA EPPLEY AIRFIELD, NORTH PLATTE RGNL AP. See how the ratings work and how late in fall you can stain, paint or seal.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to stain a deck in Nebraska?
In Omaha, May–June and August–September. In North Platte, June and September.
When is the last frost in Nebraska?
Omaha: around April 18; North Platte: around May 11.
Can you pour concrete in winter in Nebraska?
Yes, with cold-weather practices: Omaha averages about 84 freezing nights from December to February, so fresh concrete needs insulated blankets, a heated enclosure or an accelerated mix, and must not freeze in the first 48 hours. Many homeowners wait for spring.
What months are best for sealing a driveway in Nebraska?
In Omaha, May–September. In North Platte, June–August.