Last spring frost
Jun 1
Frost Dates for Orleans, VT
First fall frost
Sep 13
Growing season
103 days
Hardiness zone
4b
In an average year around Orleans, VT, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jun 1 and the first fall frost is about Sep 13, giving roughly a 103-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 19 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) | Jul 5 | Jun 12 | May 30 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 15 | Jun 1 | May 19 |
| Hard (28°F) | Jun 4 | May 21 | May 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 21 | May 6 | Apr 24 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jul 5 | Jun 25 | Jun 20 | Jun 16 | Jun 12 | Jun 9 | Jun 6 | Jun 3 | May 30 |
| 32°F | Jun 15 | Jun 9 | Jun 6 | Jun 3 | Jun 1 | May 30 | May 27 | May 24 | May 19 |
| 28°F | Jun 4 | May 31 | May 27 | May 24 | May 21 | May 18 | May 14 | May 10 | May 5 |
| 24°F | May 21 | May 16 | May 12 | May 9 | May 6 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 |
| 20°F | May 8 | May 3 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 |
| 16°F | Apr 25 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 11 | Apr 9 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 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) | Aug 13 | Sep 1 | Sep 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Aug 30 | Sep 13 | Sep 28 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 12 | Sep 27 | Oct 10 |
| Severe (24°F) | Sep 23 | Oct 7 | Oct 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Aug 13 | Aug 19 | Aug 24 | Aug 28 | Sep 1 | Sep 3 | Sep 5 | Sep 9 | Sep 14 |
| 32°F | Aug 30 | Sep 3 | Sep 7 | Sep 10 | Sep 13 | Sep 16 | Sep 19 | Sep 24 | Sep 28 |
| 28°F | Sep 12 | Sep 17 | Sep 21 | Sep 24 | Sep 27 | Sep 30 | Oct 1 | Oct 5 | Oct 10 |
| 24°F | Sep 23 | Sep 30 | Oct 2 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 19 | Oct 26 |
| 20°F | Oct 4 | Oct 9 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 8 |
| 16°F | Oct 19 | Oct 26 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 |
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: Sutton 2Ne, Vt, about 10.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,000 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, VT?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Orleans, VT is about Jun 1. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 19.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Orleans, VT typically arrives about Sep 13. 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 Jun 1 on average, or May 19 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 103 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 05860 Planting calendar → Vermont frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026