Overview

• This year, freezing temperatures occurred in Germany before the traditional Eisheiligen period of May 11–15, challenging planting schedules.
• The German Weather Service (DWD) reports that late-spring frosts have shifted earlier by about two weeks over the past 30 years due to climate change.
• Farmers and gardeners are advised to use modern weather forecasts alongside traditional Eisheiligen guidelines to protect crops from frost damage.
• The Gregorian calendar reform moved the expected frost window about ten days later than the original Julian calendar dates tied to the Eisheiligen saints’ feast days.
• Despite a reduced probability of frost during the Eisheiligen, traditional proverbs remain influential, though real-time data offers greater accuracy.