Last spring frost
Apr 18
Frost Dates for Ephrata, PA
First fall frost
Oct 25
Growing season
186 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Ephrata, PA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 18 and the first fall frost is about Oct 25, giving roughly a 186-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 4 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 16 | May 1 | Apr 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 5 | Apr 18 | Apr 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 18 | Apr 4 | Mar 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 24 | Mar 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 16 | May 10 | May 7 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 18 |
| 32°F | May 5 | Apr 30 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 4 |
| 28°F | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 21 |
| 24°F | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 24 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 |
| 20°F | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 |
| 16°F | Mar 19 | Mar 14 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 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) | Oct 2 | Oct 14 | Oct 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 10 | Oct 25 | Nov 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 23 | Nov 5 | Nov 20 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 18 | Dec 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 2 | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 14 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 |
| 32°F | Oct 10 | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 |
| 28°F | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 |
| 24°F | Nov 2 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 | Dec 5 |
| 20°F | Nov 13 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 21 |
| 16°F | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 22 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 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: Lancaster Ap, Pa, about 7.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 403 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 Ephrata, PA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Ephrata, PA is about Apr 18. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 4.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Ephrata, PA typically arrives about Oct 25. 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 18 on average, or Apr 4 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 186 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 17522 Planting calendar → Pennsylvania frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026