Last spring frost
Apr 6
Frost Dates for Shelter Island Heights, NY
First fall frost
Nov 17
Growing season
221 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Shelter Island Heights, NY, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 6 and the first fall frost is about Nov 17, giving roughly a 221-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 25 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 15 | Apr 30 | Apr 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 2 | Apr 6 | Mar 25 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 25 | Mar 11 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 30 | Mar 16 | Mar 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 15 | May 10 | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 25 | Apr 20 | Apr 15 | Apr 9 |
| 32°F | May 2 | Apr 22 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 25 |
| 28°F | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 22 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 |
| 24°F | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 |
| 20°F | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 |
| 16°F | Mar 15 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 22 | Feb 16 | Feb 10 | Feb 3 |
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 19 | Nov 3 | Nov 20 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 17 | Dec 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 14 | Dec 1 | Dec 16 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 25 | Dec 10 | Dec 29 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 20 |
| 32°F | Oct 31 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 4 |
| 28°F | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 16 |
| 24°F | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 7 | Dec 10 | Dec 13 | Dec 17 | Dec 22 | Dec 29 |
| 20°F | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 19 | Dec 22 | Dec 25 | Dec 29 | Jan 3 | Jan 8 |
| 16°F | Dec 15 | Dec 21 | Dec 26 | Dec 30 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 9 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 |
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: Orient Pt Sp, Ny, about 4.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 3 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 Shelter Island Heights, NY?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Shelter Island Heights, NY is about Apr 6. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 25.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Shelter Island Heights, NY typically arrives about Nov 17. 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 6 on average, or Mar 25 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 11965 Planting calendar → New York frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026