Last spring frost
Apr 13
Frost Dates for South Yarmouth, MA
First fall frost
Nov 3
Growing season
204 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around South Yarmouth, MA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 13 and the first fall frost is about Nov 3, giving roughly a 204-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 2 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 11 | Apr 27 | Apr 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 26 | Apr 13 | Apr 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 12 | Apr 1 | Mar 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 3 | Mar 20 | Mar 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 11 | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 22 | Apr 20 | Apr 15 |
| 32°F | Apr 26 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 |
| 28°F | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 |
| 24°F | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 |
| 20°F | Mar 26 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 |
| 16°F | Mar 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 21 | Feb 14 | Feb 8 |
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 8 | Oct 22 | Nov 5 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 22 | Nov 3 | Nov 18 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 17 | Dec 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 16 | Dec 1 | Dec 19 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 8 | Oct 13 | Oct 17 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 5 |
| 32°F | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 |
| 28°F | Nov 2 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 4 |
| 24°F | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 19 |
| 20°F | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 22 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 |
| 16°F | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 19 | Dec 22 | Dec 26 | Dec 30 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 15 |
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: W Harwich, Ma, about 4.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 15 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 South Yarmouth, MA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around South Yarmouth, MA is about Apr 13. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 2.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around South Yarmouth, MA typically arrives about Nov 3. 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 2 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 204 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 02664 Planting calendar → Massachusetts frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026