Last spring frost
Apr 20
Frost Dates for Port Matilda, PA
First fall frost
Oct 26
Growing season
187 days
Hardiness zone
6b
In an average year around Port Matilda, PA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 20 and the first fall frost is about Oct 26, giving roughly a 187-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 7 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 18 | May 1 | Apr 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 6 | Apr 20 | Apr 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 23 | Apr 8 | Mar 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 9 | Mar 30 | Mar 14 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 18 | May 12 | May 8 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 |
| 32°F | May 6 | May 1 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 7 |
| 28°F | Apr 23 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 |
| 24°F | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 14 |
| 20°F | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 25 | Mar 22 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 |
| 16°F | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 14 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 |
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 1 | Oct 14 | Oct 30 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 10 | Oct 26 | Nov 9 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 23 | Nov 5 | Nov 20 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 3 | Nov 16 | Dec 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 30 |
| 32°F | Oct 10 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 |
| 28°F | Oct 23 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 |
| 24°F | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 4 |
| 20°F | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 |
| 16°F | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 25 | Dec 29 | 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: State College, Pa, about 9.5 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 Port Matilda, PA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Port Matilda, PA is about Apr 20. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 7.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Port Matilda, PA typically arrives about Oct 26. 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 20 on average, or Apr 7 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 187 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 16870 Planting calendar → Pennsylvania frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026