Crop-city comparison
Best U.S. Northern Cities for Watermelon
Watermelon is one of the clearest tests of northern summer heat. This ranking compares northern U.S. cities by outdoor watermelon realism, GDD margin, frost-free days, delay tolerance, and variety flexibility.
Top city
Medford
100/100 · Very realistic
Tightest fit
Soldotna
6/100 · Very difficult outdoors
Cities compared
219
U.S. cities at or above 40°N
The ranking
Higher scores mean outdoor watermelon is more realistic in a typical northern season. Lower scores mean the crop is more dependent on fast varieties, transplants, warm soil, plastic mulch, row cover, or a greenhouse-style setup.
| Rank | Location | Reality score | GDD margin | Frost-free days | Best variety fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |
Medford Oregon, U.S. · 42.3265°N |
100/100 Very realistic |
+1801 GDD 3151 available / 1350 target |
204 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #2 |
Cleveland Ohio, U.S. · 41.4993°N |
100/100 Very realistic |
+1783 GDD 3133 available / 1350 target |
218 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #3 |
Wenatchee Washington, U.S. · 47.4235°N |
100/100 Very realistic |
+1722 GDD 3072 available / 1350 target |
207 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #4 |
Roseburg Oregon, U.S. · 43.2297°N |
100/100 Very realistic |
+1621 GDD 2971 available / 1350 target |
246 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #5 |
Boston Massachusetts, U.S. · 42.3601°N |
100/100 Very realistic |
+1525 GDD 2875 available / 1350 target |
219 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #6 |
Lewiston Idaho, U.S. · 46.4166°N |
100/100 Very realistic |
+1216 GDD 2566 available / 1350 target |
203 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #7 |
Portland Oregon, U.S. · 45.5152°N |
100/100 Very realistic |
+1204 GDD 2554 available / 1350 target |
279 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #8 |
Walla Walla Washington, U.S. · 46.0646°N |
100/100 Very realistic |
+1122 GDD 2472 available / 1350 target |
218 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #9 |
Salem Oregon, U.S. · 44.9429°N |
100/100 Very realistic |
+1060 GDD 2410 available / 1350 target |
212 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #10 |
Seattle Washington, U.S. · 47.6062°N |
100/100 Very realistic |
+915 GDD 2265 available / 1350 target |
249 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #11 |
Council Bluffs Iowa, U.S. · 41.2324°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+2149 GDD 3499 available / 1350 target |
186 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #12 |
Omaha Nebraska, U.S. · 41.2565°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+2149 GDD 3499 available / 1350 target |
186 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #13 |
Peoria Illinois, U.S. · 40.6936°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+2038 GDD 3388 available / 1350 target |
190 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #14 |
Lincoln Nebraska, U.S. · 40.8136°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+2025 GDD 3375 available / 1350 target |
172 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #15 |
Champaign Illinois, U.S. · 40.1164°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1965 GDD 3315 available / 1350 target |
192 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #16 |
Grand Island Nebraska, U.S. · 40.9219°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1890 GDD 3240 available / 1350 target |
175 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #17 |
Hastings Nebraska, U.S. · 40.5877°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1886 GDD 3236 available / 1350 target |
177 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #18 |
Kirksville Missouri, U.S. · 40.1948°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1772 GDD 3122 available / 1350 target |
181 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #19 |
Bloomington Illinois, U.S. · 40.4842°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1727 GDD 3077 available / 1350 target |
182 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #20 |
Davenport Iowa, U.S. · 41.5208°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1711 GDD 3061 available / 1350 target |
186 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #21 |
Toledo Ohio, U.S. · 41.6614°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1710 GDD 3060 available / 1350 target |
190 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #22 |
Des Moines Iowa, U.S. · 41.5868°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1676 GDD 3026 available / 1350 target |
185 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #23 |
Harrisburg Pennsylvania, U.S. · 40.2618°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1672 GDD 3022 available / 1350 target |
191 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #24 |
Detroit Michigan, U.S. · 42.3314°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1618 GDD 2968 available / 1350 target |
193 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #25 |
Sterling Colorado, U.S. · 40.6255°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1597 GDD 2947 available / 1350 target |
162 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #26 |
Lafayette Indiana, U.S. · 40.4167°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1596 GDD 2946 available / 1350 target |
175 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #27 |
Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, U.S. · 40.4406°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1593 GDD 2943 available / 1350 target |
186 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #28 |
Fort Wayne Indiana, U.S. · 41.0793°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1563 GDD 2913 available / 1350 target |
180 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #29 |
Waterloo Iowa, U.S. · 42.4928°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1554 GDD 2904 available / 1350 target |
166 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #30 |
Allentown Pennsylvania, U.S. · 40.6026°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1501 GDD 2851 available / 1350 target |
187 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #31 |
Winona Minnesota, U.S. · 44.03°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1498 GDD 2848 available / 1350 target |
181 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #32 |
Scranton Pennsylvania, U.S. · 41.4095°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1494 GDD 2844 available / 1350 target |
180 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #33 |
Rockford Illinois, U.S. · 42.2711°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1492 GDD 2842 available / 1350 target |
176 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #34 |
Kearney Nebraska, U.S. · 40.7514°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1476 GDD 2826 available / 1350 target |
163 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #35 |
Erie Pennsylvania, U.S. · 42.1292°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1459 GDD 2809 available / 1350 target |
192 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #36 |
Lancaster Pennsylvania, U.S. · 40.0091°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1451 GDD 2801 available / 1350 target |
188 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #37 |
South Bend Indiana, U.S. · 41.6764°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1448 GDD 2798 available / 1350 target |
183 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #38 |
Sioux City Iowa, U.S. · 42.4997°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1413 GDD 2763 available / 1350 target |
161 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #39 |
Saint Paul Minnesota, U.S. · 44.9537°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1398 GDD 2748 available / 1350 target |
175 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #40 |
Nampa Idaho, U.S. · 43.5834°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1390 GDD 2740 available / 1350 target |
167 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #41 |
Ames Iowa, U.S. · 42.0308°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1390 GDD 2740 available / 1350 target |
165 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #42 |
Cedar Rapids Iowa, U.S. · 41.9779°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1336 GDD 2686 available / 1350 target |
167 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #43 |
Albany New York, U.S. · 42.6526°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1320 GDD 2670 available / 1350 target |
171 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #44 |
Iowa City Iowa, U.S. · 41.6355°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1318 GDD 2668 available / 1350 target |
163 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #45 |
Minneapolis Minnesota, U.S. · 44.9778°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1282 GDD 2632 available / 1350 target |
176 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #46 |
North Platte Nebraska, U.S. · 41.1239°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1282 GDD 2632 available / 1350 target |
160 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #47 |
Milwaukee Wisconsin, U.S. · 43.0389°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1257 GDD 2607 available / 1350 target |
179 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #48 |
Lowell Massachusetts, U.S. · 42.6344°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1251 GDD 2601 available / 1350 target |
163 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #49 |
Pendleton Oregon, U.S. · 45.6721°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1245 GDD 2595 available / 1350 target |
170 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #50 |
Dubuque Iowa, U.S. · 42.5006°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1196 GDD 2546 available / 1350 target |
185 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #51 |
Janesville Wisconsin, U.S. · 42.6828°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1183 GDD 2533 available / 1350 target |
172 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #52 |
Akron Ohio, U.S. · 41.0796°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1179 GDD 2529 available / 1350 target |
187 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #53 |
Buffalo New York, U.S. · 42.8864°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1173 GDD 2523 available / 1350 target |
185 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #54 |
Muskegon Michigan, U.S. · 43.2342°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1164 GDD 2514 available / 1350 target |
172 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #55 |
Moses Lake Washington, U.S. · 47.1374°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1158 GDD 2508 available / 1350 target |
164 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #56 |
Syracuse New York, U.S. · 43.041°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1145 GDD 2495 available / 1350 target |
173 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #57 |
Jackson Michigan, U.S. · 42.2545°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1138 GDD 2488 available / 1350 target |
166 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #58 |
Kalamazoo Michigan, U.S. · 42.2917°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1137 GDD 2487 available / 1350 target |
173 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #59 |
Lansing Michigan, U.S. · 42.7325°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1137 GDD 2487 available / 1350 target |
165 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #60 |
Rochester New York, U.S. · 43.1566°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1132 GDD 2482 available / 1350 target |
184 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #61 |
Kenosha Wisconsin, U.S. · 42.6052°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1108 GDD 2458 available / 1350 target |
190 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #62 |
Mankato Minnesota, U.S. · 44.1636°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1082 GDD 2432 available / 1350 target |
162 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #63 |
Madison Wisconsin, U.S. · 43.0731°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1065 GDD 2415 available / 1350 target |
161 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #64 |
Mason City Iowa, U.S. · 43.1499°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1060 GDD 2410 available / 1350 target |
161 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #65 |
Sheboygan Wisconsin, U.S. · 43.741°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1045 GDD 2395 available / 1350 target |
172 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #66 |
Saginaw Michigan, U.S. · 43.4195°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1032 GDD 2382 available / 1350 target |
175 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #67 |
Oshkosh Wisconsin, U.S. · 44.0247°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+1003 GDD 2353 available / 1350 target |
179 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #68 |
La Crosse Wisconsin, U.S. · 43.8014°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+986 GDD 2336 available / 1350 target |
169 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #69 |
Eau Claire Wisconsin, U.S. · 44.8113°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+983 GDD 2333 available / 1350 target |
173 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #70 |
Holland Michigan, U.S. · 42.7875°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+979 GDD 2329 available / 1350 target |
176 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #71 |
Watertown New York, U.S. · 43.97556°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+977 GDD 2327 available / 1350 target |
164 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #72 |
Flint Michigan, U.S. · 43.0125°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+975 GDD 2325 available / 1350 target |
163 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #73 |
Worcester Massachusetts, U.S. · 42.2626°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+963 GDD 2313 available / 1350 target |
181 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #74 |
Burlington Vermont, U.S. · 44.4759°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+939 GDD 2289 available / 1350 target |
169 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #75 |
Spokane Washington, U.S. · 47.6588°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+923 GDD 2273 available / 1350 target |
169 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #76 |
Racine Wisconsin, U.S. · 42.706°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+921 GDD 2271 available / 1350 target |
187 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #77 |
Green Bay Wisconsin, U.S. · 44.5133°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+894 GDD 2244 available / 1350 target |
162 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #78 |
Willmar Minnesota, U.S. · 45.1393°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+863 GDD 2213 available / 1350 target |
160 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #79 |
Portland Maine, U.S. · 43.6591°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+845 GDD 2195 available / 1350 target |
172 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #80 |
Augusta Maine, U.S. · 44.3232°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+803 GDD 2153 available / 1350 target |
172 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #81 |
Eugene Oregon, U.S. · 44.0521°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+787 GDD 2137 available / 1350 target |
195 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #82 |
Albany Oregon, U.S. · 44.652°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+779 GDD 2129 available / 1350 target |
194 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #83 |
Corvallis Oregon, U.S. · 44.5638°N |
98/100 Very realistic |
+779 GDD 2129 available / 1350 target |
194 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #84 |
Greeley Colorado, U.S. · 40.4233°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+1498 GDD 2848 available / 1350 target |
159 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #85 |
Boise Idaho, U.S. · 43.615°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+1476 GDD 2826 available / 1350 target |
148 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #86 |
Decorah Iowa, U.S. · 43.3033°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+1366 GDD 2716 available / 1350 target |
157 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #87 |
Sioux Falls South Dakota, U.S. · 43.5446°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+1360 GDD 2710 available / 1350 target |
158 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #88 |
Yakima Washington, U.S. · 46.6021°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+1315 GDD 2665 available / 1350 target |
152 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #89 |
Norfolk Nebraska, U.S. · 42.0329°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+1293 GDD 2643 available / 1350 target |
156 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #90 |
Springfield Massachusetts, U.S. · 42.1029°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+1173 GDD 2523 available / 1350 target |
158 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #91 |
Fort Collins Colorado, U.S. · 40.5853°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+1120 GDD 2470 available / 1350 target |
156 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #92 |
Grand Rapids Michigan, U.S. · 42.9634°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+1091 GDD 2441 available / 1350 target |
157 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #93 |
Longmont Colorado, U.S. · 40.1779°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+1091 GDD 2441 available / 1350 target |
151 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #94 |
Scottsbluff Nebraska, U.S. · 41.8666°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+1089 GDD 2439 available / 1350 target |
142 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #95 |
Boulder Colorado, U.S. · 40.0172°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+1080 GDD 2430 available / 1350 target |
152 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #96 |
Battle Creek Michigan, U.S. · 42.3173°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+1070 GDD 2420 available / 1350 target |
159 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #97 |
Ann Arbor Michigan, U.S. · 42.2808°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+1054 GDD 2404 available / 1350 target |
158 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #98 |
Owatonna Minnesota, U.S. · 44.0805°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+1034 GDD 2384 available / 1350 target |
154 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #99 |
Rapid City South Dakota, U.S. · 44.0805°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+1031 GDD 2381 available / 1350 target |
158 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #100 |
Appleton Wisconsin, U.S. · 44.2619°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+954 GDD 2304 available / 1350 target |
155 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #101 |
Rochester Minnesota, U.S. · 44.0121°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+936 GDD 2286 available / 1350 target |
159 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #102 |
Twin Falls Idaho, U.S. · 42.5565°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+913 GDD 2263 available / 1350 target |
148 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #103 |
Moorhead Minnesota, U.S. · 46.8739°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+904 GDD 2254 available / 1350 target |
151 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #104 |
Pocatello Idaho, U.S. · 42.8713°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+888 GDD 2238 available / 1350 target |
139 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #105 |
Traverse City Michigan, U.S. · 44.7631°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+862 GDD 2212 available / 1350 target |
159 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #106 |
Sidney Montana, U.S. · 47.715456°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+860 GDD 2210 available / 1350 target |
139 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #107 |
Portsmouth New Hampshire, U.S. · 43.0729°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+824 GDD 2174 available / 1350 target |
157 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #108 |
Alexandria Minnesota, U.S. · 45.8848°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+822 GDD 2172 available / 1350 target |
159 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #109 |
Aberdeen South Dakota, U.S. · 45.4661°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+812 GDD 2162 available / 1350 target |
144 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #110 |
Brookings South Dakota, U.S. · 44.3056°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+809 GDD 2159 available / 1350 target |
148 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #111 |
Fargo North Dakota, U.S. · 46.8772°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+807 GDD 2157 available / 1350 target |
143 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #112 |
Watertown South Dakota, U.S. · 44.90333°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+792 GDD 2142 available / 1350 target |
146 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #113 |
Jamestown North Dakota, U.S. · 46.9062722°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+783 GDD 2133 available / 1350 target |
144 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #114 |
St. Cloud Minnesota, U.S. · 45.5579°N |
95/100 Very realistic |
+768 GDD 2118 available / 1350 target |
157 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #115 |
Bremerton Washington, U.S. · 47.5686°N |
94/100 Very realistic |
+596 GDD 1946 available / 1350 target |
230 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #116 |
Everett Washington, U.S. · 47.9789°N |
94/100 Very realistic |
+514 GDD 1864 available / 1350 target |
223 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #117 |
Manchester New Hampshire, U.S. · 42.9956°N |
92/100 Very realistic |
+745 GDD 2095 available / 1350 target |
164 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #118 |
Coeur d'Alene Idaho, U.S. · 47.6777°N |
92/100 Very realistic |
+739 GDD 2089 available / 1350 target |
179 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #119 |
Lewiston Maine, U.S. · 44.0985°N |
92/100 Very realistic |
+728 GDD 2078 available / 1350 target |
177 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #120 |
Binghamton New York, U.S. · 42.1463°N |
92/100 Very realistic |
+695 GDD 2045 available / 1350 target |
162 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #121 |
Nashua New Hampshire, U.S. · 42.7564°N |
92/100 Very realistic |
+571 GDD 1921 available / 1350 target |
162 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #122 |
Billings Montana, U.S. · 45.7833°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+724 GDD 2074 available / 1350 target |
144 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #123 |
Stevens Point Wisconsin, U.S. · 44.5236°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+716 GDD 2066 available / 1350 target |
156 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #124 |
Loveland Colorado, U.S. · 40.3978°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+709 GDD 2059 available / 1350 target |
142 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #125 |
Miles City Montana, U.S. · 46.4075°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+703 GDD 2053 available / 1350 target |
145 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #126 |
La Grande Oregon, U.S. · 45.3247°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+696 GDD 2046 available / 1350 target |
148 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #127 |
Spearfish South Dakota, U.S. · 44.491431°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+690 GDD 2040 available / 1350 target |
143 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #128 |
Plattsburgh New York, U.S. · 44.69528°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+688 GDD 2038 available / 1350 target |
152 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #129 |
Wausau Wisconsin, U.S. · 44.9591°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+680 GDD 2030 available / 1350 target |
151 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #130 |
Bangor Maine, U.S. · 44.8012°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+655 GDD 2005 available / 1350 target |
153 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #131 |
Massena New York, U.S. · 44.96083°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+652 GDD 2002 available / 1350 target |
146 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #132 |
Malone New York, U.S. · 44.84866°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+641 GDD 1991 available / 1350 target |
151 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #133 |
Valley City North Dakota, U.S. · 46.9233139°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+636 GDD 1986 available / 1350 target |
136 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #134 |
Grand Forks North Dakota, U.S. · 47.901°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+635 GDD 1985 available / 1350 target |
144 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #135 |
Riverton Wyoming, U.S. · 43.0351°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+635 GDD 1985 available / 1350 target |
135 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #136 |
Ithaca New York, U.S. · 42.4406°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+626 GDD 1976 available / 1350 target |
145 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #137 |
Brainerd Minnesota, U.S. · 46.358°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+623 GDD 1973 available / 1350 target |
144 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #138 |
Sault Ste. Marie Michigan, U.S. · 46.49698°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+596 GDD 1946 available / 1350 target |
155 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #139 |
Bismarck North Dakota, U.S. · 46.8083°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+575 GDD 1925 available / 1350 target |
139 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #140 |
Williston North Dakota, U.S. · 48.18139°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+574 GDD 1924 available / 1350 target |
136 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #141 |
Cheyenne Wyoming, U.S. · 41.14°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+570 GDD 1920 available / 1350 target |
140 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #142 |
Keene New Hampshire, U.S. · 42.9627°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+565 GDD 1915 available / 1350 target |
140 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #143 |
Rexburg Idaho, U.S. · 43.81°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+533 GDD 1883 available / 1350 target |
135 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #144 |
Missoula Montana, U.S. · 46.8721°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+519 GDD 1869 available / 1350 target |
144 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #145 |
Merrill Wisconsin, U.S. · 45.18056°N |
89/100 Realistic |
+509 GDD 1859 available / 1350 target |
142 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #146 |
Gillette Wyoming, U.S. · 44.2911°N |
87/100 Realistic |
+554 GDD 1904 available / 1350 target |
125 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #147 |
Sheridan Wyoming, U.S. · 44.7972°N |
87/100 Realistic |
+506 GDD 1856 available / 1350 target |
129 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #148 |
Tacoma Washington, U.S. · 47.2529°N |
86/100 Realistic |
+447 GDD 1797 available / 1350 target |
251 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #149 |
Bellingham Washington, U.S. · 48.7519°N |
86/100 Realistic |
+405 GDD 1755 available / 1350 target |
215 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #150 |
Mount Vernon Washington, U.S. · 48.4212°N |
86/100 Realistic |
+297 GDD 1647 available / 1350 target |
224 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #151 |
Manitowoc Wisconsin, U.S. · 44.0886°N |
84/100 Realistic |
+477 GDD 1827 available / 1350 target |
173 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #152 |
Vancouver Washington, U.S. · 45.6418°N |
84/100 Realistic |
+424 GDD 1774 available / 1350 target |
175 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #153 |
Marquette Michigan, U.S. · 46.5436°N |
84/100 Realistic |
+257 GDD 1607 available / 1350 target |
166 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #154 |
Thief River Falls Minnesota, U.S. · 48.11889°N |
81/100 Realistic |
+499 GDD 1849 available / 1350 target |
137 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #155 |
Millinocket Maine, U.S. · 45.657°N |
81/100 Realistic |
+496 GDD 1846 available / 1350 target |
140 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #156 |
Concord New Hampshire, U.S. · 43.2081°N |
81/100 Realistic |
+486 GDD 1836 available / 1350 target |
148 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #157 |
Presque Isle Maine, U.S. · 46.67944°N |
81/100 Realistic |
+472 GDD 1822 available / 1350 target |
135 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #158 |
Roseau Minnesota, U.S. · 48.84667°N |
81/100 Realistic |
+465 GDD 1815 available / 1350 target |
131 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #159 |
Warroad Minnesota, U.S. · 48.90528°N |
81/100 Realistic |
+465 GDD 1815 available / 1350 target |
131 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #160 |
Bottineau North Dakota, U.S. · 48.82472°N |
81/100 Realistic |
+435 GDD 1785 available / 1350 target |
133 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #161 |
Rutland Vermont, U.S. · 43.6141°N |
81/100 Realistic |
+433 GDD 1783 available / 1350 target |
135 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #162 |
Wolf Point Montana, U.S. · 48.09306°N |
81/100 Realistic |
+430 GDD 1780 available / 1350 target |
143 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #163 |
Bemidji Minnesota, U.S. · 47.4736°N |
81/100 Realistic |
+421 GDD 1771 available / 1350 target |
132 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #164 |
Montpelier Vermont, U.S. · 44.2601°N |
81/100 Realistic |
+397 GDD 1747 available / 1350 target |
157 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #165 |
Devils Lake North Dakota, U.S. · 48.112578°N |
81/100 Realistic |
+354 GDD 1704 available / 1350 target |
141 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #166 |
Grafton North Dakota, U.S. · 48.41234°N |
81/100 Realistic |
+345 GDD 1695 available / 1350 target |
156 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #167 |
Rice Lake Wisconsin, U.S. · 45.49833°N |
81/100 Realistic |
+345 GDD 1695 available / 1350 target |
147 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #168 |
St. Johnsbury Vermont, U.S. · 44.41944°N |
81/100 Realistic |
+308 GDD 1658 available / 1350 target |
143 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #169 |
Crookston Minnesota, U.S. · 47.77472°N |
81/100 Realistic |
+302 GDD 1652 available / 1350 target |
139 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #170 |
Superior Wisconsin, U.S. · 46.7208°N |
81/100 Realistic |
+290 GDD 1640 available / 1350 target |
138 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #171 |
Grand Rapids Minnesota, U.S. · 47.23722°N |
81/100 Realistic |
+284 GDD 1634 available / 1350 target |
130 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #172 |
Ashland Wisconsin, U.S. · 46.59°N |
81/100 Realistic |
+272 GDD 1622 available / 1350 target |
135 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #173 |
Ironwood Michigan, U.S. · 46.45583°N |
81/100 Realistic |
+267 GDD 1617 available / 1350 target |
132 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #174 |
Berlin New Hampshire, U.S. · 44.48694°N |
81/100 Realistic |
+258 GDD 1608 available / 1350 target |
139 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #175 |
Casper Wyoming, U.S. · 42.8501°N |
79/100 Realistic |
+465 GDD 1815 available / 1350 target |
119 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #176 |
Idaho Falls Idaho, U.S. · 43.4917°N |
79/100 Realistic |
+420 GDD 1770 available / 1350 target |
120 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #177 |
Houlton Maine, U.S. · 46.13889°N |
79/100 Realistic |
+419 GDD 1769 available / 1350 target |
127 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #178 |
Rock Springs Wyoming, U.S. · 41.606°N |
79/100 Realistic |
+390 GDD 1740 available / 1350 target |
129 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #179 |
Dickinson North Dakota, U.S. · 46.8057°N |
79/100 Realistic |
+386 GDD 1736 available / 1350 target |
125 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #180 |
Rugby North Dakota, U.S. · 48.36889°N |
79/100 Realistic |
+307 GDD 1657 available / 1350 target |
129 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #181 |
Saranac Lake New York, U.S. · 44.32611°N |
77/100 Realistic |
+329 GDD 1679 available / 1350 target |
99 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #182 |
Ashland Oregon, U.S. · 42.1885°N |
77/100 Realistic |
+307 GDD 1657 available / 1350 target |
108 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #183 |
Olympia Washington, U.S. · 47.0379°N |
76/100 Realistic |
+242 GDD 1592 available / 1350 target |
168 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #184 |
Escanaba Michigan, U.S. · 45.74583°N |
73/100 Possible with care |
+247 GDD 1597 available / 1350 target |
135 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #185 |
Sandpoint Idaho, U.S. · 48.2766°N |
73/100 Possible with care |
+239 GDD 1589 available / 1350 target |
143 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #186 |
Minot North Dakota, U.S. · 48.2291°N |
73/100 Possible with care |
+219 GDD 1569 available / 1350 target |
137 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #187 |
Virginia Minnesota, U.S. · 47.52306°N |
73/100 Possible with care |
+199 GDD 1549 available / 1350 target |
142 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #188 |
Duluth Minnesota, U.S. · 46.7867°N |
73/100 Possible with care |
+189 GDD 1539 available / 1350 target |
151 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #189 |
Moscow Idaho, U.S. · 46.7324°N |
73/100 Possible with care |
+140 GDD 1490 available / 1350 target |
156 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #190 |
Great Falls Montana, U.S. · 47.5053°N |
73/100 Possible with care |
+102 GDD 1452 available / 1350 target |
148 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #191 |
Hayward Wisconsin, U.S. · 46.01°N |
71/100 Possible with care |
+216 GDD 1566 available / 1350 target |
122 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #192 |
Littleton New Hampshire, U.S. · 44.32083°N |
71/100 Possible with care |
+170 GDD 1520 available / 1350 target |
117 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #193 |
Rhinelander Wisconsin, U.S. · 45.63944°N |
70/100 Possible with care |
+102 GDD 1452 available / 1350 target |
123 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #194 |
Houghton Michigan, U.S. · 47.1211°N |
64/100 Possible with care |
+67 GDD 1417 available / 1350 target |
137 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #195 |
Hood River Oregon, U.S. · 45.7054°N |
64/100 Possible with care |
+61 GDD 1411 available / 1350 target |
143 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #196 |
Bozeman Montana, U.S. · 45.677°N |
62/100 Possible with care |
+73 GDD 1423 available / 1350 target |
119 | Very early, Early, Mid-season |
| #197 |
Port Angeles Washington, U.S. · 48.1065°N |
52/100 Borderline |
-61 GDD 1289 available / 1350 target |
252 | Very early, Early |
| #198 |
Munising Michigan, U.S. · 46.42722°N |
47/100 Borderline |
-18 GDD 1332 available / 1350 target |
151 | Very early, Early |
| #199 |
Newport Vermont, U.S. · 44.94417°N |
47/100 Borderline |
-91 GDD 1259 available / 1350 target |
139 | Very early, Early |
| #200 |
Bend Oregon, U.S. · 44.0582°N |
43/100 Borderline |
-30 GDD 1320 available / 1350 target |
106 | Very early, Early |
| #201 |
Laramie Wyoming, U.S. · 41.3114°N |
43/100 Borderline |
-38 GDD 1312 available / 1350 target |
105 | Very early, Early |
| #202 |
Iron River Michigan, U.S. · 46.09639°N |
42/100 Borderline |
-100 GDD 1250 available / 1350 target |
98 | Very early, Early |
| #203 |
International Falls Minnesota, U.S. · 48.59167°N |
39/100 Long shot |
-127 GDD 1223 available / 1350 target |
111 | Very early |
| #204 |
Cut Bank Montana, U.S. · 48.62917°N |
39/100 Long shot |
-142 GDD 1208 available / 1350 target |
114 | Very early |
| #205 |
Kalispell Montana, U.S. · 48.1958°N |
37/100 Long shot |
-117 GDD 1233 available / 1350 target |
102 | Very early |
| #206 |
Lewistown Montana, U.S. · 47.0563°N |
31/100 Long shot |
-182 GDD 1168 available / 1350 target |
137 | Very early |
| #207 |
Hibbing Minnesota, U.S. · 47.41722°N |
27/100 Long shot |
-348 GDD 1002 available / 1350 target |
95 | Very early |
| #208 |
Whitefish Montana, U.S. · 48.404°N |
22/100 Long shot |
-460 GDD 890 available / 1350 target |
132 | Very early |
| #209 |
Cody Wyoming, U.S. · 44.5231°N |
20/100 Long shot |
-600 GDD 750 available / 1350 target |
121 | Very early |
| #210 |
Juneau Alaska, U.S. · 58.3628°N |
19/100 Very difficult outdoors |
-672 GDD 678 available / 1350 target |
164 | Very early |
| #211 |
Helena Montana, U.S. · 46.5891°N |
18/100 Very difficult outdoors |
-390 GDD 960 available / 1350 target |
102 | Very early |
| #212 |
Butte Montana, U.S. · 46.0038°N |
17/100 Very difficult outdoors |
-465 GDD 885 available / 1350 target |
84 | Very early |
| #213 |
Anchorage Alaska, U.S. · 61.2181°N |
16/100 Very difficult outdoors |
-610 GDD 740 available / 1350 target |
151 | Very early |
| #214 |
Wasilla Alaska, U.S. · 61.58167°N |
16/100 Very difficult outdoors |
-652 GDD 698 available / 1350 target |
130 | Very early |
| #215 |
Palmer Alaska, U.S. · 61.60194°N |
14/100 Very difficult outdoors |
-663 GDD 687 available / 1350 target |
117 | Very early |
| #216 |
Jackson Wyoming, U.S. · 43.4799°N |
11/100 Very difficult outdoors |
-712 GDD 638 available / 1350 target |
72 | Very early |
| #217 |
Homer Alaska, U.S. · 59.64306°N |
11/100 Very difficult outdoors |
-1026 GDD 324 available / 1350 target |
142 | Very early |
| #218 |
Kenai Alaska, U.S. · 60.55861°N |
7/100 Very difficult outdoors |
-962 GDD 388 available / 1350 target |
99 | Very early |
| #219 |
Soldotna Alaska, U.S. · 60.486617°N |
6/100 Very difficult outdoors |
-987 GDD 363 available / 1350 target |
82 | Very early |
What this ranking means
This is a watermelon climate-fit ranking, not a promise that every garden in a city will behave the same way. Watermelon rewards cities with positive GDD margin, enough frost-free days, better tolerance if planting slips, and more watermelon variety classes that fit the outdoor season.
For a specific location, open the linked watermelon planting page or test your own timing in the GDD Planner.
How to use this
- 75+: outdoor watermelon is realistic, though timely transplanting still helps.
- 40–74: treat watermelon as a careful project, not a casual direct-sow crop.
- Below 40: use very early varieties, transplants, warm soil, covers, or protected culture.
Sources and methodology
Official source context for this ranking
This ranking is a GrowByDate interpretation of frost, seasonal heat, crop margin, and timing signals. These links show the official source concepts behind the derived metrics.
- NOAA/NCEI U.S. Climate Normals — official U.S. climate-normal context, including frost/freeze probabilities, season length, and growing degree day statistics.
- NOAA Climate Prediction Center degree day resources — degree-day terminology and reference material.
- GrowByDate data methodology — how frost, GDD, crop timing, and margin are interpreted on this site.
These links support the reference concepts behind the page. GrowByDate values are planning averages, not live forecasts or guarantees for a specific garden bed.
Methodology
U.S. cities at or above 40°N latitude are ranked for outdoor watermelon fit using local GDD margin from the typical planting window, frost-free days, delay tolerance, and watermelon variety flexibility.
This ranking compares climate fit, not gardener skill or local garden conditions. Watermelon still depends heavily on warm soil, full sun, wind shelter, transplant quality, irrigation, plastic mulch, row cover, and variety choice.
Score components: GDD margin, number of fitting watermelon variety classes, frost-free season length, and whether the crop still has margin if planting is delayed by one or two weeks. Download: northern U.S. watermelon comparison JSON.