Last spring frost
Apr 2
Frost Dates for New York, NY
First fall frost
Nov 14
Growing season
226 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around New York, NY, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 2 and the first fall frost is about Nov 14, giving roughly a 226-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 20 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 23 | Apr 11 | Apr 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 13 | Apr 2 | Mar 20 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 4 | Mar 23 | Mar 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 28 | Mar 12 | Feb 25 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 |
| 32°F | Apr 13 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 |
| 28°F | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 |
| 24°F | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 9 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 25 |
| 20°F | Mar 19 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 20 | Feb 11 |
| 16°F | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 22 | Feb 17 | Feb 12 | Feb 7 | Feb 2 | Jan 25 |
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 21 | Nov 2 | Nov 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 14 | Dec 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 10 | Nov 26 | Dec 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 19 | Dec 7 | Dec 29 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 |
| 32°F | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 |
| 28°F | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 |
| 24°F | Nov 19 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 29 |
| 20°F | Dec 1 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 19 | Dec 23 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 13 |
| 16°F | Dec 16 | Dec 24 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 8 | Jan 13 | Jan 18 | Jan 26 |
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 Jfk Intl Ap, Ny, about 4.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 11 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 Apr 2. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 20.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around New York, NY typically arrives about Nov 14. 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 2 on average, or Mar 20 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 226 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 11693 Planting calendar → New York frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026