Last spring frost
Apr 21
Frost Dates for McAlisterville, PA
First fall frost
Oct 24
Growing season
185 days
In an average year around McAlisterville, PA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 21 and the first fall frost is about Oct 24, giving roughly a 185-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 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) | May 19 | May 2 | Apr 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 9 | Apr 21 | Apr 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 21 | Apr 6 | Mar 24 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 8 | Mar 26 | Mar 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 19 | May 14 | May 9 | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 18 |
| 32°F | May 9 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 6 |
| 28°F | Apr 21 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 24 |
| 24°F | Apr 8 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 9 |
| 20°F | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 25 |
| 16°F | Mar 20 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 10 |
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 29 | Oct 13 | Oct 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 7 | Oct 24 | Nov 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 21 | Nov 5 | Nov 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 4 | Nov 18 | Dec 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 27 |
| 32°F | Oct 7 | Oct 13 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 7 |
| 28°F | Oct 21 | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 |
| 24°F | Nov 4 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 4 |
| 20°F | Nov 15 | Nov 21 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 17 | Dec 23 |
| 16°F | Nov 30 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 25 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 9 |
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: Lewistown, Pa, about 13.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 460 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 McAlisterville, PA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around McAlisterville, PA is about Apr 21. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 6.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around McAlisterville, PA typically arrives about Oct 24. 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 21 on average, or Apr 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 185 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 17076 Planting calendar → Pennsylvania frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026