Last spring frost
May 24
Frost Dates for Gilman, VT
First fall frost
Sep 18
Growing season
116 days
Hardiness zone
4b
In an average year around Gilman, VT, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 24 and the first fall frost is about Sep 18, giving roughly a 116-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 6 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 24 | Jun 5 | May 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 8 | May 24 | May 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 27 | May 7 | Apr 24 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 10 | Apr 26 | Apr 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 24 | Jun 15 | Jun 11 | Jun 8 | Jun 5 | Jun 3 | May 31 | May 27 | May 22 |
| 32°F | Jun 8 | Jun 3 | May 31 | May 28 | May 24 | May 21 | May 17 | May 12 | May 6 |
| 28°F | May 27 | May 21 | May 16 | May 11 | May 7 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 |
| 24°F | May 10 | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 |
| 20°F | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 |
| 16°F | Apr 17 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 |
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 25 | Sep 7 | Sep 20 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 6 | Sep 18 | Oct 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 15 | Sep 30 | Oct 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Sep 27 | Oct 13 | Nov 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Aug 25 | Aug 31 | Sep 2 | Sep 5 | Sep 7 | Sep 10 | Sep 13 | Sep 16 | Sep 20 |
| 32°F | Sep 6 | Sep 10 | Sep 13 | Sep 15 | Sep 18 | Sep 21 | Sep 24 | Sep 27 | Oct 1 |
| 28°F | Sep 15 | Sep 19 | Sep 23 | Sep 26 | Sep 30 | Oct 1 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 14 |
| 24°F | Sep 27 | Oct 1 | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Nov 1 |
| 20°F | Oct 8 | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 |
| 16°F | Oct 22 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 |
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: Bethlehem 2, Nh, about 8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,180 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 Gilman, VT?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Gilman, VT is about May 24. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 6.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Gilman, VT typically arrives about Sep 18. 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 24 on average, or May 6 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 116 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 05904 Planting calendar → Vermont frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026