Last spring frost
Mar 26
Frost Dates for Atlantic City, NJ
First fall frost
Nov 21
Growing season
240 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Atlantic City, NJ, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 26 and the first fall frost is about Nov 21, giving roughly a 240-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 10 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) | Apr 18 | Apr 4 | Mar 23 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 26 | Mar 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 30 | Mar 15 | Feb 27 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 21 | Mar 6 | Feb 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 18 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 23 |
| 32°F | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 |
| 28°F | Mar 30 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Feb 27 |
| 24°F | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 9 | Mar 6 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 13 |
| 20°F | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 17 | Feb 10 | Feb 4 | Jan 27 |
| 16°F | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 16 | Feb 10 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 19 | Jan 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 30 | Nov 10 | Nov 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 6 | Nov 21 | Dec 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 16 | Dec 2 | Dec 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 27 | Dec 17 | Jan 7 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 26 |
| 32°F | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 |
| 28°F | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 22 |
| 24°F | Nov 27 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 17 | Dec 21 | Dec 25 | Dec 31 | Jan 7 |
| 20°F | Dec 9 | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 9 | Jan 14 | Jan 22 |
| 16°F | Dec 24 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 7 | Jan 11 | Jan 14 | Jan 18 | Jan 25 | Feb 3 |
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: Atlantic City, Nj, about 1.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 10 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 Atlantic City, NJ?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Atlantic City, NJ is about Mar 26. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 10.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Atlantic City, NJ typically arrives about Nov 21. 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 Mar 26 on average, or Mar 10 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 240 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 08401 Planting calendar → New Jersey frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026