In New York, the last spring frost usually comes between April 5 and May 20, and the first fall frost between September 26 and November 9, depending on where you live. Most of New York is in USDA hardiness zones 4b to 7b.
Find the frost dates for your ZIP code
Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest weather station. Zones derived from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map data (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Frost dates for New York cities
Dates come from the NOAA weather station closest to each city. The last spring frost and first fall frost are the typical dates, with a 30% chance of frost after (or before) them. The safer planting date has only a 10% chance of a later spring frost: use it for tender plants like tomatoes, peppers and basil.
| City | Zone | Last frost | Safer date | First frost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 7b | April 3 | April 9 | Nov. 14 |
| Buffalo | 6b | April 30 | May 9 | Oct. 19 |
| Rochester | 6b | April 30 | May 8 | Oct. 18 |
| Syracuse | 6a | May 5 | May 13 | Oct. 11 |
| Albany | 6a | May 2 | May 11 | Oct. 9 |
| Utica | 5b | May 7 | May 17 | Oct. 6 |
| Brentwood | 7b | April 16 | April 25 | Oct. 28 |
| White Plains | 7a | April 18 | April 27 | Oct. 24 |
| Binghamton | 6a | May 11 | May 21 | Oct. 5 |
| Ithaca | 6a | May 18 | May 26 | Sep. 28 |
Frost dates vary a lot across New York. Among the cities above, New York City has the earliest last frost (around April 3) and Ithaca the latest (around May 18), about 6 weeks apart. Elevation, nearby water and local terrain all make a difference, so use the dates for the place closest to you, or look up your ZIP code.
Growing zones in New York
Most of New York is in USDA hardiness zones 4b to 7b. A typical frost-free growing season lasts about 173 days, longer in the warmest areas and shorter in the coldest.
Find planting dates for the main zones in New York:
- Zone 4 (about 7% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 5 (about 30% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 6 (about 37% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 7 (about 25% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
See all crops in our planting guides, or build a planting calendar for your ZIP code.
How to use frost dates
- Cool-season crops such as peas, lettuce, spinach and onions can go in several weeks before your last spring frost.
- Warm-season crops such as tomatoes, peppers, squash and beans wait until after it, when the soil has warmed.
- Fall crops are timed back from your first fall frost, and garlic and tulips are planted around it.
- Frost dates are averages. Check the forecast before setting out tender plants.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in New York?
It depends on where you live. Across most of New York, the last spring frost comes between April 5 and May 20. In New York City, it is around April 3.
When is the first frost in New York?
Across most of New York, the first fall frost comes between September 26 and November 9. In New York City, it is around November 14.
What planting zone is New York?
Most of New York is in USDA hardiness zones 4b to 7b. Enter your ZIP code above to find your exact zone.
When can I plant tomatoes in New York?
Plant tomatoes outside after your last frost, once nights stay above 50 °F. In New York City, the safer date, with only a 10% chance of a later frost, is around April 9. See when to plant tomatoes in zone 7.
Sources. Frost dates come from the nearest NOAA weather station to each city or ZIP code. Zones come from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ZIP code data. Our zone lookup is not the official USDA map.