Last spring frost
Apr 18
Frost Dates for Short Hills, NJ
First fall frost
Oct 27
Growing season
189 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Short Hills, NJ, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 18 and the first fall frost is about Oct 27, giving roughly a 189-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 17 | Apr 30 | Apr 17 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 6 | Apr 18 | Apr 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 19 | Apr 3 | Mar 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 4 | Mar 21 | Mar 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 17 | May 10 | May 6 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 |
| 32°F | May 6 | May 1 | Apr 27 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 3 |
| 28°F | Apr 19 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 25 | Mar 19 |
| 24°F | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 4 |
| 20°F | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 11 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 |
| 16°F | Mar 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 16 | Feb 9 |
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 2 | Oct 15 | Oct 31 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 11 | Oct 27 | Nov 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 22 | Nov 6 | Nov 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 4 | Nov 19 | Dec 8 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 2 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 31 |
| 32°F | Oct 11 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 |
| 28°F | Oct 22 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 22 |
| 24°F | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 8 |
| 20°F | Nov 14 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 25 |
| 16°F | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 17 | Dec 21 | Dec 26 | Dec 30 | Jan 4 | Jan 14 |
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: Canoe Brook, Nj, about 1.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 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 Short Hills, NJ?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Short Hills, 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 Short Hills, NJ typically arrives about Oct 27. 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 189 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 07078 Planting calendar → New Jersey frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026