Last spring frost
May 7
Frost Dates for Oak Bluffs, MA
First fall frost
Oct 9
Growing season
156 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Oak Bluffs, MA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 7 and the first fall frost is about Oct 9, giving roughly a 156-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 22 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) | Jun 8 | May 21 | May 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 27 | May 7 | Apr 22 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 13 | Apr 26 | Apr 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 28 | Apr 9 | Mar 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 8 | Jun 3 | May 29 | May 25 | May 21 | May 16 | May 12 | May 8 | May 1 |
| 32°F | May 27 | May 20 | May 16 | May 11 | May 7 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 |
| 28°F | May 13 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 9 |
| 24°F | Apr 28 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 |
| 20°F | Apr 11 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 8 |
| 16°F | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 |
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 13 | Sep 28 | Oct 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 23 | Oct 9 | Oct 31 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 6 | Oct 25 | Nov 11 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 19 | Nov 6 | Nov 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 13 | Sep 18 | Sep 21 | Sep 24 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 12 |
| 32°F | Sep 23 | Sep 29 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 17 | Oct 22 | Oct 31 |
| 28°F | Oct 6 | Oct 13 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 11 |
| 24°F | Oct 19 | Oct 26 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 21 | Nov 28 |
| 20°F | Nov 3 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 |
| 16°F | Nov 15 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 20 | Dec 27 |
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: Vineyard Haven Ap, Ma, about 4.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 68 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 Oak Bluffs, MA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Oak Bluffs, MA is about May 7. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 22.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Oak Bluffs, MA typically arrives about Oct 9. 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 May 7 on average, or Apr 22 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 156 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 02557 Planting calendar → Massachusetts frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026