Last spring frost
May 4
Frost Dates for Smithville Flats, NY
First fall frost
Oct 16
Growing season
163 days
Hardiness zone
5b
In an average year around Smithville Flats, NY, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 4 and the first fall frost is about Oct 16, giving roughly a 163-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 22 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 1 | May 17 | May 2 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 20 | May 4 | Apr 22 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 6 | Apr 23 | Apr 8 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 22 | Apr 9 | Mar 31 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 1 | May 27 | May 24 | May 20 | May 17 | May 14 | May 10 | May 7 | May 2 |
| 32°F | May 20 | May 15 | May 10 | May 6 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 |
| 28°F | May 6 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 8 |
| 24°F | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 |
| 20°F | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 18 |
| 16°F | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 |
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 20 | Oct 3 | Oct 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 30 | Oct 16 | Nov 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 11 | Oct 31 | Nov 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 26 | Nov 11 | Nov 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 20 | Sep 24 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 13 | Oct 19 |
| 32°F | Sep 30 | Oct 4 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Nov 2 |
| 28°F | Oct 11 | Oct 18 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 |
| 24°F | Oct 26 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 27 |
| 20°F | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 |
| 16°F | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Nov 30 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 8 | Dec 12 | Dec 19 |
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: Whitney Pt Dam, Ny, about 7.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,040 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 Smithville Flats, NY?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Smithville Flats, NY is about May 4. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 22.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Smithville Flats, NY typically arrives about Oct 16. 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 4 on average, or Apr 22 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 163 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 13841 Planting calendar → New York frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026