Last spring frost
Apr 30
Frost Dates for Pleasant Valley, CT
First fall frost
Oct 17
Growing season
168 days
Hardiness zone
6a
In an average year around Pleasant Valley, CT, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 30 and the first fall frost is about Oct 17, giving roughly a 168-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 17 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 25 | May 12 | Apr 29 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 15 | Apr 30 | Apr 17 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 2 | Apr 16 | Apr 3 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 17 | Apr 3 | Mar 22 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 25 | May 21 | May 18 | May 15 | May 12 | May 9 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 29 |
| 32°F | May 15 | May 11 | May 6 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 |
| 28°F | May 2 | Apr 27 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 |
| 24°F | Apr 17 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 22 |
| 20°F | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 |
| 16°F | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 14 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 |
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) | Sep 24 | Oct 6 | Oct 20 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 4 | Oct 17 | Nov 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 13 | Oct 29 | Nov 11 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 25 | Nov 9 | Nov 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 24 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 6 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 20 |
| 32°F | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Nov 2 |
| 28°F | Oct 13 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 |
| 24°F | Oct 25 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 |
| 20°F | Nov 5 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 |
| 16°F | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Nov 30 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 |
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: Barkhamsted, Ct, about 1.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 710 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 Pleasant Valley, CT?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Pleasant Valley, CT is about Apr 30. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 17.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Pleasant Valley, CT typically arrives about Oct 17. 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 30 on average, or Apr 17 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 168 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 06063 Planting calendar → Connecticut frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026