Last spring frost
May 24
Frost Dates for James City, PA
First fall frost
Sep 28
Growing season
126 days
Hardiness zone
5b
In an average year around James City, PA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 24 and the first fall frost is about Sep 28, giving roughly a 126-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 6 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 26 | Jun 6 | May 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 7 | May 24 | May 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 28 | May 11 | Apr 24 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 18 | Apr 29 | Apr 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 26 | Jun 18 | Jun 13 | Jun 10 | Jun 6 | Jun 2 | May 31 | May 27 | May 22 |
| 32°F | Jun 7 | Jun 1 | May 30 | May 27 | May 24 | May 21 | May 18 | May 13 | May 6 |
| 28°F | May 28 | May 23 | May 19 | May 15 | May 11 | May 7 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 24 |
| 24°F | May 18 | May 10 | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 12 |
| 20°F | May 4 | Apr 26 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 |
| 16°F | Apr 15 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 17 |
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) | Aug 22 | Sep 14 | Sep 30 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 11 | Sep 28 | Oct 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 24 | Oct 8 | Oct 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 6 | Oct 24 | Nov 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Aug 22 | Sep 1 | Sep 5 | Sep 10 | Sep 14 | Sep 17 | Sep 21 | Sep 25 | Sep 30 |
| 32°F | Sep 11 | Sep 17 | Sep 21 | Sep 24 | Sep 28 | Sep 30 | Oct 2 | Oct 5 | Oct 10 |
| 28°F | Sep 24 | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 26 |
| 24°F | Oct 6 | Oct 11 | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 12 |
| 20°F | Oct 23 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 26 |
| 16°F | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 |
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: Kane 1Nne, Pa, about 4.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,750 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 James City, PA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around James City, PA is about May 24. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 6.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around James City, PA typically arrives about Sep 28. 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 24 on average, or May 6 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 126 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 16734 Planting calendar → Pennsylvania frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026