Frost Dates for Framingham, MA
In Framingham, MA, the average last spring frost is around Apr 26 and the average first fall frost around Oct 12, for a growing season of about 169 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 9, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Natick, MA weather station, 5 miles away, elevation 180 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 9 | Oct 1 |
| 20% | May 4 | Oct 4 |
| 30% | May 1 | Oct 6 |
| 40% | Apr 29 | Oct 9 |
| 50% | Apr 26 | Oct 12 |
| 60% | Apr 23 | Oct 15 |
| 70% | Apr 21 | Oct 18 |
| 80% | Apr 18 | Oct 21 |
| 90% | Apr 14 | Oct 26 |
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 7 | Oct 4 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 26 | Oct 12 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 13 | Oct 24 |
Planting calendar for Framingham
Transplant May 3 – May 17
Transplant May 10 – May 24
Transplant May 10 – May 24
Transplant May 3 – May 17
Sow or transplant May 3 – May 17
Sow or transplant May 3 – May 17
Sow or transplant May 10 – May 24
Sow or transplant Mar 29 – Apr 12
Fall sowing Aug 17 – Sep 14
Fall sowing Aug 17 – Sep 7
Fall sowing Aug 3 – Aug 17
Sow or transplant Mar 29 – Apr 12
Fall sowing Aug 3 – Aug 31
Transplant Apr 12 – Apr 26
Fall sowing Jul 20 – Aug 3
Transplant Apr 5 – Apr 19
Fall sowing Jul 20 – Aug 3
Fall sowing Jul 20 – Aug 3
Fall sowing Aug 31 – Sep 21
Fall sowing Aug 3 – Aug 17
Plant Mar 29 – Apr 12
Based on the average last frost (Apr 26) and first frost (Oct 12). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.