Last spring frost
Apr 3
Frost Dates for Merrick, NY
First fall frost
Nov 11
Growing season
221 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Merrick, NY, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 3 and the first fall frost is about Nov 11, giving roughly a 221-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 19 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 30 | Apr 16 | Apr 4 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 18 | Apr 3 | Mar 19 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 5 | Mar 22 | Mar 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 26 | Mar 10 | Feb 21 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 16 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 |
| 32°F | Apr 18 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 19 |
| 28°F | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 5 |
| 24°F | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 |
| 20°F | Mar 17 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 16 | Feb 9 | Feb 3 |
| 16°F | Mar 5 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 14 | Feb 9 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 15 |
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 17 | Oct 30 | Nov 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 11 | Nov 30 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 8 | Nov 23 | Dec 11 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 17 | Dec 5 | Dec 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 17 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 |
| 32°F | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 30 |
| 28°F | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 |
| 24°F | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 21 | Dec 28 |
| 20°F | Dec 1 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 20 | Dec 24 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 8 | Jan 17 |
| 16°F | Dec 16 | Dec 25 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 7 | Jan 12 | Jan 16 | Jan 22 | Feb 1 |
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: Wantagh Cedar Creek, Ny, about 2.7 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 Merrick, NY?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Merrick, NY is about Apr 3. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 19.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Merrick, NY typically arrives about Nov 11. 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 3 on average, or Mar 19 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 221 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 11566 Planting calendar → New York frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026