Last spring frost
May 9
Frost Dates for Elkland, PA
First fall frost
Oct 12
Growing season
155 days
Hardiness zone
5b
In an average year around Elkland, PA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 9 and the first fall frost is about Oct 12, giving roughly a 155-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 25 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 4 | May 21 | May 4 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 25 | May 9 | Apr 25 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 14 | Apr 29 | Apr 16 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 2 | Apr 15 | Apr 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 4 | May 31 | May 28 | May 24 | May 21 | May 17 | May 14 | May 9 | May 4 |
| 32°F | May 25 | May 20 | May 16 | May 12 | May 9 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 |
| 28°F | May 14 | May 8 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 |
| 24°F | May 2 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 |
| 20°F | Apr 16 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 22 |
| 16°F | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 24 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 |
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 19 | Oct 1 | Oct 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 29 | Oct 12 | Oct 28 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 8 | Oct 26 | Nov 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 22 | Nov 6 | Nov 19 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 19 | Sep 24 | Sep 27 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 14 |
| 32°F | Sep 29 | Oct 2 | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 |
| 28°F | Oct 8 | Oct 14 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 |
| 24°F | Oct 22 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 |
| 20°F | Nov 1 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 |
| 16°F | Nov 12 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 15 |
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: Cowanesque Dam, Pa, about 10.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,150 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 Elkland, PA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Elkland, PA is about May 9. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 25.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Elkland, PA typically arrives about Oct 12. 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 9 on average, or Apr 25 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 155 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 16942 Planting calendar → Pennsylvania frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026