Last spring frost
Apr 13
Frost Dates for Orleans, MA
First fall frost
Nov 4
Growing season
206 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Orleans, MA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 13 and the first fall frost is about Nov 4, giving roughly a 206-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 1 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 8 | Apr 27 | Apr 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 26 | Apr 13 | Apr 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 11 | Mar 31 | Mar 16 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 1 | Mar 17 | Mar 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 8 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 |
| 32°F | Apr 26 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 |
| 28°F | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 16 |
| 24°F | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 |
| 20°F | Mar 24 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 |
| 16°F | Mar 14 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 19 | Feb 14 | Feb 8 | Feb 2 |
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 10 | Oct 23 | Nov 5 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 21 | Nov 4 | Nov 18 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 3 | Nov 19 | Dec 3 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 19 | Dec 3 | Dec 20 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 10 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 |
| 32°F | Oct 21 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 |
| 28°F | Nov 3 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 |
| 24°F | Nov 19 | Nov 26 | Nov 29 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 6 | Dec 9 | Dec 14 | Dec 20 |
| 20°F | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 12 | Dec 16 | Dec 19 | Dec 23 | Dec 28 | Jan 3 |
| 16°F | Dec 11 | Dec 18 | Dec 22 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 8 | Jan 14 | Jan 23 |
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: Chatham Muni Ap, Ma, about 5.5 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 Orleans, MA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Orleans, MA is about Apr 13. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 1.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Orleans, MA typically arrives about Nov 4. 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 13 on average, or Apr 1 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 206 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 02643 Planting calendar → Massachusetts frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026