Last spring frost
May 12
Frost Dates for Spencer, NY
First fall frost
Oct 3
Growing season
143 days
Hardiness zone
6a
In an average year around Spencer, NY, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 12 and the first fall frost is about Oct 3, giving roughly a 143-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 28 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 7 | May 24 | May 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 27 | May 12 | Apr 28 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 16 | Apr 30 | Apr 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 6 | Apr 18 | Apr 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 7 | Jun 3 | May 31 | May 27 | May 24 | May 22 | May 19 | May 14 | May 9 |
| 32°F | May 27 | May 22 | May 19 | May 15 | May 12 | May 9 | May 6 | May 1 | Apr 28 |
| 28°F | May 16 | May 11 | May 8 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 |
| 24°F | May 6 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 4 |
| 20°F | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 25 |
| 16°F | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 |
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 11 | Sep 22 | Oct 4 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 21 | Oct 3 | Oct 19 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 1 | Oct 16 | Nov 3 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 12 | Nov 1 | Nov 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 11 | Sep 14 | Sep 17 | Sep 20 | Sep 22 | Sep 25 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 |
| 32°F | Sep 21 | Sep 25 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 19 |
| 28°F | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 8 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 29 | Nov 3 |
| 24°F | Oct 12 | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 |
| 20°F | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 |
| 16°F | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 10 |
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: Spencer 1 Ne, Ny, about 1.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,170 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 Spencer, NY?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Spencer, NY is about May 12. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 28.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Spencer, 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 12 on average, or Apr 28 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 143 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 14883 Planting calendar → New York frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026