Last spring frost
Apr 11
Frost Dates for Tiverton, RI
First fall frost
Nov 2
Growing season
203 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Tiverton, RI, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 11 and the first fall frost is about Nov 2, giving roughly a 203-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 7 | Apr 26 | Apr 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 22 | Apr 11 | Apr 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 11 | Mar 31 | Mar 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 3 | Mar 21 | Mar 7 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 7 | May 3 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 |
| 32°F | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 11 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 |
| 28°F | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 |
| 24°F | Apr 3 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 |
| 20°F | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 9 | Mar 6 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 |
| 16°F | Mar 20 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 6 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 |
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 21 | Nov 3 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 20 | Nov 2 | Nov 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 13 | Nov 30 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 10 | Nov 25 | Dec 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 8 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 3 |
| 32°F | Oct 20 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 |
| 28°F | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 30 |
| 24°F | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 12 |
| 20°F | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 7 | Dec 11 | Dec 15 | Dec 20 | Dec 26 |
| 16°F | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 20 | Dec 23 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 11 |
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: Tiverton, Ri, about 4.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 90 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 Tiverton, RI?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Tiverton, RI is about Apr 11. 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 Tiverton, RI typically arrives about Nov 2. 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 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 203 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 02809 Planting calendar → Rhode Island frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026