Last spring frost
Apr 18
Frost Dates for Caldwell, NJ
First fall frost
Oct 24
Growing season
187 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Caldwell, NJ, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 18 and the first fall frost is about Oct 24, giving roughly a 187-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 3 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 18 | May 1 | Apr 17 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 7 | Apr 18 | Apr 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 19 | Apr 3 | Mar 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 5 | Mar 24 | Mar 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 18 | May 12 | May 8 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 17 |
| 32°F | May 7 | Apr 30 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 |
| 28°F | Apr 19 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 |
| 24°F | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 |
| 20°F | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 |
| 16°F | Mar 19 | Mar 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 12 |
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 30 | Oct 11 | Oct 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 8 | Oct 24 | Nov 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 21 | Nov 4 | Nov 20 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 18 | Dec 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 26 |
| 32°F | Oct 8 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 |
| 28°F | Oct 21 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 20 |
| 24°F | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 |
| 20°F | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 18 | Dec 25 |
| 16°F | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 10 | Dec 14 | Dec 19 | Dec 23 | Dec 28 | Jan 2 | Jan 9 |
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: Essex Fells Service Bldg, Nj, about 1.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 350 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 Caldwell, NJ?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Caldwell, NJ is about Apr 18. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 3.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Caldwell, NJ typically arrives about Oct 24. 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 18 on average, or Apr 3 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 187 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 07006 Planting calendar → New Jersey frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026