Last spring frost
Apr 4
Frost Dates for Middle Island, NY
First fall frost
Nov 7
Growing season
215 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Middle Island, NY, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 4 and the first fall frost is about Nov 7, giving roughly a 215-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 23 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 7 | Apr 20 | Apr 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 19 | Apr 4 | Mar 23 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 7 | Mar 27 | Mar 11 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 31 | Mar 16 | Mar 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 7 | May 2 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 |
| 32°F | Apr 19 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 23 |
| 28°F | Apr 7 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 |
| 24°F | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 14 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 |
| 20°F | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 11 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 15 |
| 16°F | Mar 15 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 20 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Jan 28 |
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 10 | Oct 26 | Nov 10 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 20 | Nov 7 | Nov 24 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 22 | Dec 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 18 | Dec 6 | Dec 24 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 10 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 |
| 32°F | Oct 20 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 24 |
| 28°F | Nov 2 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 9 |
| 24°F | Nov 18 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 9 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 24 |
| 20°F | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 19 | Dec 23 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 |
| 16°F | Dec 10 | Dec 19 | Dec 25 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 10 | Jan 14 | Jan 22 |
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: Mt Sinai, Ny, about 4.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 50 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 Middle Island, NY?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Middle Island, NY is about Apr 4. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 23.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Middle Island, NY typically arrives about Nov 7. 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 4 on average, or Mar 23 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 215 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 11953 Planting calendar → New York frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026