Last spring frost
May 11
Frost Dates for Ithaca, NY
First fall frost
Oct 3
Growing season
145 days
Hardiness zone
6a
In an average year around Ithaca, NY, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 11 and the first fall frost is about Oct 3, giving roughly a 145-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 27 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 6 | May 24 | May 8 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 26 | May 11 | Apr 27 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 16 | Apr 30 | Apr 17 |
| 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 6 | Jun 2 | May 30 | May 27 | May 24 | May 21 | May 18 | May 13 | May 8 |
| 32°F | May 26 | May 21 | May 18 | May 14 | May 11 | May 8 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 |
| 28°F | May 16 | May 10 | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 |
| 24°F | May 2 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 |
| 20°F | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 24 |
| 16°F | Apr 9 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 14 |
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 10 | Sep 23 | Oct 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 21 | Oct 3 | Oct 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 1 | Oct 18 | Nov 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 13 | Nov 2 | Nov 17 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 10 | Sep 14 | Sep 17 | Sep 21 | Sep 23 | Sep 25 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 6 |
| 32°F | Sep 21 | Sep 25 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 11 | Oct 15 | Oct 21 |
| 28°F | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 10 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 31 | Nov 4 |
| 24°F | Oct 13 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 17 |
| 20°F | Oct 31 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 2 |
| 16°F | Nov 11 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 |
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: Ithaca Cornell Univ, Ny, about 1.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 960 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 Ithaca, NY?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Ithaca, NY is about May 11. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 27.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Ithaca, NY typically arrives about Oct 3. 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 11 on average, or Apr 27 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 145 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 14853 Planting calendar → New York frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026