Last spring frost
Apr 30
Frost Dates for Lowell, MA
First fall frost
Oct 10
Growing season
164 days
Hardiness zone
6b
In an average year around Lowell, MA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 30 and the first fall frost is about Oct 10, giving roughly a 164-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 19 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | May 21 | May 9 | Apr 30 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 10 | Apr 30 | Apr 19 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 29 | Apr 18 | Apr 7 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 19 | Apr 6 | Mar 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 21 | May 16 | May 14 | May 11 | May 9 | May 6 | May 4 | May 2 | Apr 30 |
| 32°F | May 10 | May 6 | May 3 | May 1 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 25 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 |
| 28°F | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 20 | Apr 18 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 |
| 24°F | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 |
| 20°F | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 |
| 16°F | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 22 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 4 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Sep 21 | Oct 1 | Oct 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 30 | Oct 10 | Oct 24 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 9 | Oct 22 | Nov 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 20 | Nov 2 | Nov 18 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 21 | Sep 24 | Sep 28 | Sep 30 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 |
| 32°F | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 24 |
| 28°F | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 |
| 24°F | Oct 20 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 |
| 20°F | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 4 |
| 16°F | Nov 16 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 19 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Lowell, Ma, about 1.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 110 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Lowell, MA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Lowell, MA is about Apr 30. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 19.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Lowell, MA typically arrives about Oct 10. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Apr 30 on average, or Apr 19 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 164 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 01863 Planting calendar → Massachusetts frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026