Last spring frost
May 13
Frost Dates for Salem, NY
First fall frost
Sep 29
Growing season
137 days
Hardiness zone
5b
In an average year around Salem, NY, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 13 and the first fall frost is about Sep 29, giving roughly a 137-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 30 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) | Jun 10 | May 28 | May 13 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 28 | May 13 | Apr 30 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 16 | May 1 | Apr 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 2 | Apr 18 | Apr 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 10 | Jun 5 | Jun 2 | May 31 | May 28 | May 25 | May 22 | May 18 | May 13 |
| 32°F | May 28 | May 24 | May 20 | May 16 | May 13 | May 11 | May 7 | May 4 | Apr 30 |
| 28°F | May 16 | May 10 | May 6 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 |
| 24°F | May 2 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 |
| 20°F | Apr 18 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 22 |
| 16°F | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 24 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 |
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 4 | Sep 19 | Oct 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 15 | Sep 29 | Oct 13 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 27 | Oct 9 | Oct 30 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 5 | Oct 25 | Nov 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 4 | Sep 9 | Sep 13 | Sep 16 | Sep 19 | Sep 21 | Sep 23 | Sep 27 | Oct 1 |
| 32°F | Sep 15 | Sep 20 | Sep 24 | Sep 27 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 8 | Oct 13 |
| 28°F | Sep 27 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 30 |
| 24°F | Oct 5 | Oct 11 | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 10 |
| 20°F | Oct 20 | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 24 |
| 16°F | Nov 3 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 |
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: Sunderland 2, Vt, about 14.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 900 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 Salem, NY?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Salem, NY is about May 13. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 30.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Salem, NY typically arrives about Sep 29. 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 May 13 on average, or Apr 30 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 137 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 12865 Planting calendar → New York frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026