Last spring frost
Apr 21
Frost Dates for Ripley, NY
First fall frost
Nov 5
Growing season
197 days
Hardiness zone
6a
In an average year around Ripley, NY, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 21 and the first fall frost is about Nov 5, giving roughly a 197-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 8 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 16 | May 1 | Apr 20 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 5 | Apr 21 | Apr 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 23 | Apr 9 | Mar 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 12 | Mar 31 | Mar 15 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 16 | May 11 | May 7 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 |
| 32°F | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 8 |
| 28°F | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 |
| 24°F | Apr 12 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 |
| 20°F | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 |
| 16°F | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 16 | Mar 14 | Mar 11 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 27 |
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 11 | Oct 26 | Nov 8 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 23 | Nov 5 | Nov 19 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 14 | Dec 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 10 | Nov 25 | Dec 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 11 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 |
| 32°F | Oct 23 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 |
| 28°F | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 |
| 24°F | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 |
| 20°F | Nov 17 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 12 | Dec 16 | Dec 23 |
| 16°F | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 15 | Dec 19 | Dec 24 | Dec 30 | Jan 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: Westfield 2 Sse, Ny, about 7.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 707 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 Ripley, NY?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Ripley, NY is about Apr 21. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 8.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Ripley, NY typically arrives about Nov 5. 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 8 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 197 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 14775 Planting calendar → New York frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026