Last spring frost
Apr 16
Frost Dates for Bethel, OH
First fall frost
Oct 31
Growing season
196 days
Hardiness zone
6b
In an average year around Bethel, OH, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 16 and the first fall frost is about Oct 31, giving roughly a 196-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 2 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 14 | Apr 28 | Apr 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 4 | Apr 16 | Apr 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 20 | Apr 3 | Mar 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 7 | Mar 23 | Mar 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 14 | May 8 | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 |
| 32°F | May 4 | Apr 27 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 |
| 28°F | Apr 20 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 19 |
| 24°F | Apr 7 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 |
| 20°F | Mar 29 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 11 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 27 | Feb 19 |
| 16°F | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 |
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 5 | Oct 19 | Nov 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 17 | Oct 31 | Nov 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 27 | Nov 9 | Nov 24 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 3 | Nov 19 | Dec 8 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 5 | Oct 10 | Oct 14 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 |
| 32°F | Oct 17 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 |
| 28°F | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 |
| 24°F | Nov 3 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 8 |
| 20°F | Nov 11 | Nov 17 | Nov 23 | Nov 29 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 23 |
| 16°F | Nov 22 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 22 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 10 |
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: Chilo Meldahl Locks & Dam, Oh, about 11.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 480 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 Bethel, OH?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Bethel, OH is about Apr 16. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 2.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Bethel, OH typically arrives about Oct 31. 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 16 on average, or Apr 2 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 196 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 45106 Planting calendar → Ohio frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026