Frost Dates for Springfield, MA
In Springfield, MA, the average last spring frost is around May 3 and the average first fall frost around Oct 8, for a growing season of about 158 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 17, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Westfield Barnes Muni Airport, MA weather station, 10 miles away, elevation 271 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 17 | Sep 26 |
| 20% | May 12 | Oct 1 |
| 30% | May 9 | Oct 3 |
| 40% | May 6 | Oct 6 |
| 50% | May 3 | Oct 8 |
| 60% | Apr 30 | Oct 11 |
| 70% | Apr 28 | Oct 15 |
| 80% | Apr 25 | Oct 19 |
| 90% | Apr 20 | Oct 25 |
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 14 | Sep 30 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | May 3 | Oct 8 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 21 | Oct 20 |
Planting calendar for Springfield
Transplant May 10 – May 24
Transplant May 17 – May 31
Transplant May 17 – May 31
Transplant May 10 – May 24
Sow or transplant May 10 – May 24
Sow or transplant May 10 – May 24
Sow or transplant May 17 – May 31
Sow or transplant Apr 5 – Apr 19
Fall sowing Aug 13 – Sep 10
Fall sowing Aug 13 – Sep 3
Fall sowing Jul 30 – Aug 13
Sow or transplant Apr 5 – Apr 19
Fall sowing Jul 30 – Aug 27
Transplant Apr 19 – May 3
Fall sowing Jul 16 – Jul 30
Transplant Apr 12 – Apr 26
Fall sowing Jul 16 – Jul 30
Fall sowing Jul 16 – Jul 30
Fall sowing Aug 27 – Sep 17
Fall sowing Jul 30 – Aug 13
Plant Apr 5 – Apr 19
Based on the average last frost (May 3) and first frost (Oct 8). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.