Frost Dates for Oakland, PA
In an average year around Oakland, PA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 29 and the first fall frost is about Oct 21, giving roughly a 176-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 14 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 24 | May 8 | Apr 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 17 | Apr 29 | Apr 14 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 5 | Apr 17 | Apr 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 20 | Apr 4 | Mar 20 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 24 | May 19 | May 16 | May 11 | May 8 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 22 |
| 32°F | May 17 | May 10 | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 14 |
| 28°F | May 5 | Apr 29 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 1 |
| 24°F | Apr 20 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 20 |
| 20°F | Apr 9 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 14 | Mar 8 |
| 16°F | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | 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) | Sep 24 | Oct 8 | Oct 23 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 5 | Oct 21 | Nov 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 19 | Nov 2 | Nov 16 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 12 | Nov 29 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 24 | Sep 29 | Oct 2 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 23 |
| 32°F | Oct 5 | Oct 10 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 5 |
| 28°F | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 |
| 24°F | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 12 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 29 |
| 20°F | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 11 |
| 16°F | Nov 14 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 17 | Dec 24 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Johnstown Cambria Co Ap, Pa, about 0.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,284 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
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 Oakland, PA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Oakland, PA is about Apr 29. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 14.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Oakland, PA typically arrives about Oct 21. 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 29 on average, or Apr 14 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 176 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 15904 Planting calendar → Pennsylvania frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026