Last spring frost
Apr 25
Frost Dates for Dayton, NJ
First fall frost
Oct 16
Growing season
173 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Dayton, NJ, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 25 and the first fall frost is about Oct 16, giving roughly a 173-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 12 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 23 | May 8 | Apr 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 12 | Apr 25 | Apr 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 26 | Apr 10 | Mar 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 10 | Mar 28 | Mar 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 23 | May 18 | May 14 | May 11 | May 8 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 24 |
| 32°F | May 12 | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 |
| 28°F | Apr 26 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 |
| 24°F | Apr 10 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 11 |
| 20°F | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Feb 27 |
| 16°F | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | 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 26 | Oct 6 | Oct 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 4 | Oct 16 | Oct 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 13 | Oct 28 | Nov 11 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 25 | Nov 8 | Nov 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 26 | Sep 30 | Oct 2 | Oct 4 | Oct 6 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 15 | Oct 19 |
| 32°F | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 |
| 28°F | Oct 13 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 11 |
| 24°F | Oct 25 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 27 |
| 20°F | Nov 5 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 15 |
| 16°F | Nov 16 | Nov 23 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 | Dec 23 | Dec 30 |
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: Hightstown 2 W, Nj, about 8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 100 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 Dayton, NJ?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Dayton, NJ is about Apr 25. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 12.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Dayton, NJ typically arrives about Oct 16. 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 25 on average, or Apr 12 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 173 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 08810 Planting calendar → New Jersey frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026