New York frost dates

Across New York, the average last spring frost is around May 1 and the average first fall frost around October 5 — roughly 157 frost-free days. USDA zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b.

Risk you accept	Last spring frost by	First fall frost by
Cautious (~10%)	May 15	September 21
Average (~50%)	May 1	October 5
Gambler (~90%)	April 17	October 19

New York spans a wide range of elevations and climates — your town’s dates can differ from the state average by two weeks or more. Look up your exact ZIP.

→ Turn these into sowing dates with the New York planting calendar, or look up an exact ZIP code.

Statewide average from NOAA/NCEI freeze normals. Cautious/gambler dates are about two weeks either side of the average.