Last spring frost
Apr 15
Frost Dates for Clifton, NJ
First fall frost
Oct 28
Growing season
195 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Clifton, NJ, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 15 and the first fall frost is about Oct 28, giving roughly a 195-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 12 | Apr 27 | Apr 13 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 1 | Apr 15 | Apr 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 16 | Apr 2 | Mar 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 3 | Mar 21 | Mar 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 12 | May 7 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 13 |
| 32°F | May 1 | Apr 25 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 |
| 28°F | Apr 16 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 |
| 24°F | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 5 |
| 20°F | Mar 27 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 |
| 16°F | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 27 | Feb 23 | Feb 19 | 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 4 | Oct 17 | Nov 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 13 | Oct 28 | Nov 9 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 24 | Nov 7 | Nov 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 4 | Nov 20 | Dec 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 4 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 15 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Nov 1 |
| 32°F | Oct 13 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 |
| 28°F | Oct 24 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 |
| 24°F | Nov 4 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 |
| 20°F | Nov 15 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 21 |
| 16°F | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 21 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | 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: Little Falls, Nj, about 3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 150 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 Clifton, NJ?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Clifton, NJ is about Apr 15. 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 Clifton, NJ typically arrives about Oct 28. 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 15 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 195 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 07013 Planting calendar → New Jersey frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026