Frost Dates for Cambridge, MA
In Cambridge, MA, the average last spring frost is around Apr 19 and the average first fall frost around Oct 23, for a growing season of about 185 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 3, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Jamaica Plain, MA weather station, 5 miles away, elevation 95 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.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | May 3 | Oct 8 |
| 20% | Apr 28 | Oct 12 |
| 30% | Apr 24 | Oct 16 |
| 40% | Apr 21 | Oct 20 |
| 50% | Apr 19 | Oct 23 |
| 60% | Apr 16 | Oct 25 |
| 70% | Apr 13 | Oct 28 |
| 80% | Apr 10 | Nov 1 |
| 90% | Apr 6 | Nov 5 |
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.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | May 2 | Oct 10 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 19 | Oct 23 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 5 | Nov 3 |
Planting calendar for Cambridge
Transplant Apr 26 – May 10
Transplant May 3 – May 17
Transplant May 3 – May 17
Transplant Apr 26 – May 10
Sow or transplant Apr 26 – May 10
Sow or transplant Apr 26 – May 10
Sow or transplant May 3 – May 17
Sow or transplant Mar 22 – Apr 5
Fall sowing Aug 28 – Sep 25
Fall sowing Aug 28 – Sep 18
Fall sowing Aug 14 – Aug 28
Sow or transplant Mar 22 – Apr 5
Fall sowing Aug 14 – Sep 11
Transplant Apr 5 – Apr 19
Fall sowing Jul 31 – Aug 14
Transplant Mar 29 – Apr 12
Fall sowing Jul 31 – Aug 14
Fall sowing Jul 31 – Aug 14
Fall sowing Sep 11 – Oct 2
Fall sowing Aug 14 – Aug 28
Plant Mar 22 – Apr 5
Based on the average last frost (Apr 19) and first frost (Oct 23). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.