Frost Dates for West Haven, CT

In West Haven, CT, the average last spring frost is around Apr 17 and the average first fall frost around Oct 27, for a growing season of about 193 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 1, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostApr 1750% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantMay 1only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostOct 2750% chance of frost before this date
Growing season193 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the New Haven Tweed Airport, CT weather station, 4 miles away, elevation 3 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.

Frost probability by date

Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.

ChanceLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10%May 1Oct 11
20%Apr 26Oct 16
30%Apr 22Oct 20
40%Apr 20Oct 24
50%Apr 17Oct 27
60%Apr 15Oct 30
70%Apr 11Nov 1
80%Apr 8Nov 4
90%Apr 2Nov 8

Light frost vs. hard freeze

Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.

TemperatureLast in springFirst in fall
Light frost (36°F)Apr 30Oct 15
Frost / freeze (32°F)Apr 17Oct 27
Hard freeze (28°F)Apr 4Nov 6

Planting calendar for West Haven

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Feb 20 – Mar 6
Transplant Apr 24 – May 8
Peppers
Indoors Feb 6 – Feb 20
Transplant May 1 – May 15
Eggplant
Indoors Feb 6 – Feb 20
Transplant May 1 – May 15
Basil
Indoors Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Apr 24 – May 8
Cucumbers
Indoors Mar 20 – Mar 27
Sow or transplant Apr 24 – May 8
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Mar 20 – Mar 27
Sow or transplant Apr 24 – May 8
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Apr 24 – May 8
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Mar 20 – Mar 27
Sow or transplant May 1 – May 15
Green beans
Sow Apr 24 – May 8
Sweet corn
Sow Apr 24 – May 8
Lettuce
Indoors Mar 6 – Mar 20
Sow or transplant Mar 20 – Apr 3
Fall sowing Sep 1 – Sep 29
Spinach
Sow Mar 6 – Mar 27
Fall sowing Sep 1 – Sep 22
Peas
Sow Mar 6 – Mar 20
Fall sowing Aug 18 – Sep 1
Kale
Indoors Feb 20 – Mar 6
Sow or transplant Mar 20 – Apr 3
Fall sowing Aug 18 – Sep 15
Broccoli
Indoors Feb 20 – Mar 6
Transplant Apr 3 – Apr 17
Fall sowing Aug 4 – Aug 18
Cabbage
Indoors Feb 20 – Mar 6
Transplant Mar 27 – Apr 10
Fall sowing Aug 4 – Aug 18
Carrots
Sow Mar 27 – Apr 17
Fall sowing Aug 4 – Aug 18
Radishes
Sow Mar 13 – Apr 3
Fall sowing Sep 15 – Oct 6
Beets
Sow Mar 27 – Apr 17
Fall sowing Aug 18 – Sep 1
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Jan 23 – Feb 6
Plant Mar 20 – Apr 3
Potatoes
Plant Mar 27 – Apr 10
Garlic
Plant Oct 27 – Nov 24

Based on the average last frost (Apr 17) and first frost (Oct 27). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

Nearby cities

New HavenMilford citySheltonBridgeportNaugatuckWaterburyMeridenMiddletownAll Connecticut towns