Frost Dates for Beverly, MA

In Beverly, MA, the average last spring frost is around May 4 and the average first fall frost around Oct 12, for a growing season of about 160 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 17, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostMay 450% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantMay 17only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostOct 1250% chance of frost before this date
Growing season160 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Beverly, MA weather station, 2 miles away, elevation 65 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 17Oct 1
20%May 12Oct 4
30%May 9Oct 7
40%May 6Oct 10
50%May 4Oct 12
60%May 2Oct 15
70%Apr 30Oct 18
80%Apr 28Oct 23
90%Apr 24Oct 28

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)May 15Oct 1
Frost / freeze (32°F)May 4Oct 12
Hard freeze (28°F)Apr 23Oct 25

Planting calendar for Beverly

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Mar 9 – Mar 23
Transplant May 11 – May 25
Peppers
Indoors Feb 23 – Mar 9
Transplant May 18 – Jun 1
Eggplant
Indoors Feb 23 – Mar 9
Transplant May 18 – Jun 1
Basil
Indoors Mar 23 – Apr 6
Transplant May 11 – May 25
Cucumbers
Indoors Apr 6 – Apr 13
Sow or transplant May 11 – May 25
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Apr 6 – Apr 13
Sow or transplant May 11 – May 25
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow May 11 – May 25
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Apr 6 – Apr 13
Sow or transplant May 18 – Jun 1
Green beans
Sow May 11 – May 25
Sweet corn
Sow May 11 – May 25
Lettuce
Indoors Mar 23 – Apr 6
Sow or transplant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Fall sowing Aug 17 – Sep 14
Spinach
Sow Mar 23 – Apr 13
Fall sowing Aug 17 – Sep 7
Peas
Sow Mar 23 – Apr 6
Fall sowing Aug 3 – Aug 17
Kale
Indoors Mar 9 – Mar 23
Sow or transplant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Fall sowing Aug 3 – Aug 31
Broccoli
Indoors Mar 9 – Mar 23
Transplant Apr 20 – May 4
Fall sowing Jul 20 – Aug 3
Cabbage
Indoors Mar 9 – Mar 23
Transplant Apr 13 – Apr 27
Fall sowing Jul 20 – Aug 3
Carrots
Sow Apr 13 – May 4
Fall sowing Jul 20 – Aug 3
Radishes
Sow Mar 30 – Apr 20
Fall sowing Aug 31 – Sep 21
Beets
Sow Apr 13 – May 4
Fall sowing Aug 3 – Aug 17
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Feb 9 – Feb 23
Plant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Potatoes
Plant Apr 13 – Apr 27
Garlic
Plant Oct 12 – Nov 9

Based on the average last frost (May 4) and first frost (Oct 12). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

Nearby cities

SalemPeabodyLynnGloucesterRevereMelroseMaldenChelseaAll Massachusetts towns