Last spring frost
Apr 29
Frost Dates for East Durham, NY
First fall frost
Oct 14
Growing season
169 days
Hardiness zone
5b
In an average year around East Durham, NY, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 29 and the first fall frost is about Oct 14, giving roughly a 169-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 15 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 26 | May 10 | Apr 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 13 | Apr 29 | Apr 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 30 | Apr 15 | Apr 2 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 17 | Apr 3 | Mar 21 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 26 | May 20 | May 16 | May 13 | May 10 | May 7 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 |
| 32°F | May 13 | May 8 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 15 |
| 28°F | Apr 30 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 |
| 24°F | Apr 17 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 |
| 20°F | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 25 | Mar 22 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 |
| 16°F | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 14 | Mar 11 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 |
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 21 | Oct 3 | Oct 17 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 1 | Oct 14 | Nov 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 9 | Oct 29 | Nov 12 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 25 | Nov 8 | Nov 24 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 21 | Sep 25 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 17 |
| 32°F | Oct 1 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 27 | Nov 1 |
| 28°F | Oct 9 | Oct 15 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 |
| 24°F | Oct 25 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 24 |
| 20°F | Nov 6 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 |
| 16°F | Nov 18 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 14 | Dec 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: Cairo 3 Nw, Ny, about 7.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 490 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 East Durham, NY?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around East Durham, NY is about Apr 29. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 15.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around East Durham, NY typically arrives about Oct 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 29 on average, or Apr 15 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 169 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 12418 Planting calendar → New York frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026