NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals · 40,977 ZIP codes
Frost dates by ZIP code
Find your average last spring frost and first fall frost, how likely frost is on any date, how long your growing season runs, and when to plant common vegetables.
Plan spring planting
Know when tender plants are safe to set out, with 1-in-10 risk dates for extra caution.
Prepare for fall frost
See when the first frost usually arrives so you can harvest or cover plants in time.
Light frost to hard freeze
Dates for 36°F, 32°F, and 28°F from 7,212 NOAA weather stations.
Frost dates for major cities
| City | Avg last spring frost | Avg first fall frost | Growing season |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | Mar 30 | Nov 20 | 236 days |
| Chicago, IL | Apr 10 | Nov 5 | 208 days |
| Los Angeles, CA | — | — | 365 days |
| Houston, TX | Jan 30 | Dec 28 | 330 days |
| Phoenix, AZ | Jan 5 | Jan 3 | 365 days |
| Philadelphia, PA | Mar 30 | Nov 17 | 232 days |
| San Antonio, TX | Feb 25 | Nov 28 | 277 days |
| San Diego, CA | — | — | 365 days |
| Dallas, TX | Mar 2 | Nov 29 | 272 days |
| San Jose, CA | Jan 2 | Dec 25 | 362 days |
| Austin, TX | Feb 20 | Dec 3 | 291 days |
| Jacksonville, FL | Feb 1 | Jan 5 | 330 days |
| Columbus, OH | Apr 23 | Oct 19 | 177 days |
| Charlotte, NC | Mar 30 | Nov 3 | 221 days |
| Seattle, WA | Mar 8 | Nov 23 | 259 days |
| Denver, CO | Apr 30 | Oct 12 | 165 days |
| Nashville, TN | Mar 31 | Nov 3 | 217 days |
| Washington, DC | Mar 29 | Nov 8 | 224 days |
| Boston, MA | Apr 4 | Nov 9 | 218 days |
| Portland, OR | Feb 25 | Dec 1 | 280 days |
| Detroit, MI | Apr 21 | Oct 31 | 190 days |
| Minneapolis, MN | Apr 23 | Oct 16 | 175 days |
| Kansas City, MO | Apr 4 | Nov 2 | 211 days |
| Richmond, VA | Apr 3 | Nov 4 | 215 days |
What a frost date really means
Averages, probabilities, and why the 10% date matters.
Light frost vs hard freeze
What 36°F, 32°F, and 28°F mean for your plants.
Protect plants from frost
Covers, watering, timing, and what to bring inside.
Frost dates are long-term averages from NOAA weather stations, not a forecast. Any given year can be earlier or later, and low spots, valleys, and open fields often frost sooner than nearby towns. Check your local forecast before planting tender plants or leaving them uncovered.