Last spring frost
Mar 30
Frost Dates for New York, NY
First fall frost
Nov 20
Growing season
236 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around New York, NY, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 30 and the first fall frost is about Nov 20, giving roughly a 236-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 14 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 20 | Apr 7 | Mar 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 9 | Mar 30 | Mar 14 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 2 | Mar 19 | Mar 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 25 | Mar 9 | Feb 22 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 7 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 |
| 32°F | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 14 |
| 28°F | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 |
| 24°F | Mar 25 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 9 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 |
| 20°F | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 14 | Feb 7 |
| 16°F | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 20 | Feb 14 | Feb 8 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 19 |
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 27 | Nov 8 | Nov 23 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 6 | Nov 20 | Dec 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 15 | Dec 1 | Dec 16 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 25 | Dec 12 | Jan 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 |
| 32°F | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 |
| 28°F | Nov 15 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 7 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 |
| 24°F | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 12 | Dec 16 | Dec 20 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 |
| 20°F | Dec 5 | Dec 12 | Dec 18 | Dec 22 | Dec 26 | Dec 30 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 15 |
| 16°F | Dec 16 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 5 | Jan 8 | Jan 14 | Jan 20 | Jan 29 |
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: New York Cntrl Pk Twr, Ny, about 6.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 130 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 New York, NY?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around New York, NY is about Mar 30. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 14.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around New York, NY typically arrives about Nov 20. 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 30 on average, or Mar 14 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 236 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 11221 Planting calendar → New York frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026