Last spring frost
Apr 11
Frost Dates for Woods Hole, MA
First fall frost
Nov 11
Growing season
213 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Woods Hole, MA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 11 and the first fall frost is about Nov 11, giving roughly a 213-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 31 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 9 | Apr 25 | Apr 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 24 | Apr 11 | Mar 31 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 11 | Mar 30 | Mar 15 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 1 | Mar 19 | Mar 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 9 | May 3 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 18 | Apr 12 |
| 32°F | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 |
| 28°F | Apr 11 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 |
| 24°F | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 22 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 |
| 20°F | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 11 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 |
| 16°F | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 22 | Feb 14 | Feb 6 |
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) | Oct 16 | Oct 31 | Nov 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 11 | Nov 27 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 9 | Nov 23 | Dec 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 18 | Dec 4 | Dec 22 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 16 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 |
| 32°F | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 27 |
| 28°F | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 9 |
| 24°F | Nov 18 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 7 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 22 |
| 20°F | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 13 | Dec 17 | Dec 21 | Dec 24 | Dec 29 | Jan 5 |
| 16°F | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 23 | Dec 26 | Dec 30 | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 11 | Jan 17 |
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: Woods Hole Golf Club, Ma, about 7.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 80 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 Woods Hole, MA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Woods Hole, MA is about Apr 11. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 31.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Woods Hole, MA typically arrives about Nov 11. 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 11 on average, or Mar 31 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 213 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 02543 Planting calendar → Massachusetts frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026