Frost Dates for Ridge, NY
In an average year around Ridge, NY, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 21 and the first fall frost is about Oct 24, giving roughly a 184-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 7 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 17 | May 3 | Apr 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 6 | Apr 21 | Apr 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 20 | Apr 7 | Mar 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 7 | Mar 27 | Mar 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 17 | May 13 | May 9 | May 6 | May 3 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 |
| 32°F | May 6 | May 1 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 7 |
| 28°F | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 |
| 24°F | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 |
| 20°F | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 |
| 16°F | Mar 25 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 18 |
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 30 | Oct 11 | Oct 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 9 | Oct 24 | Nov 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 22 | Nov 3 | Nov 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 17 | Dec 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 27 |
| 32°F | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 |
| 28°F | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 |
| 24°F | Nov 2 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 4 |
| 20°F | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 22 |
| 16°F | Nov 27 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Upton Coop - Nwsfo New York, Ny, about 2.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 80 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
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 Ridge, NY?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Ridge, NY is about Apr 21. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 7.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Ridge, NY typically arrives about Oct 24. 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 21 on average, or Apr 7 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 184 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 11961 Planting calendar → New York frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026