Last spring frost
Apr 15
Frost Dates for Harrisburg, PA
First fall frost
Oct 23
Growing season
189 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Harrisburg, PA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 15 and the first fall frost is about Oct 23, giving roughly a 189-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 1 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 15 | Apr 30 | Apr 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 2 | Apr 15 | Apr 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 16 | Apr 3 | Mar 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 3 | Mar 22 | Mar 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 15 | May 11 | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 14 |
| 32°F | May 2 | Apr 26 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 1 |
| 28°F | Apr 16 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 19 |
| 24°F | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 22 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 6 |
| 20°F | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 |
| 16°F | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 11 |
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 28 | Oct 12 | Oct 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 7 | Oct 23 | Nov 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 20 | Nov 5 | Nov 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 17 | Dec 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 28 | Oct 2 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 28 |
| 32°F | Oct 7 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 7 |
| 28°F | Oct 20 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 21 |
| 24°F | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 |
| 20°F | Nov 14 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 16 | Dec 23 |
| 16°F | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 20 | Dec 24 | Dec 30 | Jan 4 | Jan 13 |
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: Harrisburg 1 Ne, Pa, about 1.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 420 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 Harrisburg, PA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Harrisburg, PA is about Apr 15. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 1.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Harrisburg, PA typically arrives about Oct 23. 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 15 on average, or Apr 1 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 189 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 17120 Planting calendar → Pennsylvania frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026