Last spring frost
Apr 25
Frost Dates for Reading, MA
First fall frost
Oct 17
Growing season
174 days
Hardiness zone
6b
In an average year around Reading, MA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 25 and the first fall frost is about Oct 17, giving roughly a 174-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 13 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 20 | May 7 | Apr 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 8 | Apr 25 | Apr 13 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 24 | Apr 11 | Mar 31 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 12 | Mar 31 | Mar 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 20 | May 16 | May 13 | May 10 | May 7 | May 5 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 |
| 32°F | May 8 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 23 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 13 |
| 28°F | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 |
| 24°F | Apr 12 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 16 |
| 20°F | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 |
| 16°F | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 10 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 |
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 26 | Oct 6 | Oct 20 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 3 | Oct 17 | Nov 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 14 | Oct 30 | Nov 11 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 29 | Nov 10 | Nov 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 26 | Sep 30 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 6 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 15 | Oct 20 |
| 32°F | Oct 3 | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 |
| 28°F | Oct 14 | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 |
| 24°F | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 |
| 20°F | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 10 |
| 16°F | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 17 | Dec 24 |
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: Reading, Ma, about 1.3 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 Reading, MA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Reading, MA is about Apr 25. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 13.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Reading, MA typically arrives about Oct 17. 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 25 on average, or Apr 13 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 174 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 01867 Planting calendar → Massachusetts frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026