Frost Dates for Princeton, NJ
In Princeton, NJ, the average last spring frost is around Apr 25 and the average first fall frost around Oct 16, for a growing season of about 173 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 12, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Hightstown 2 W, NJ weather station, 8 miles away, elevation 100 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 12 | Oct 4 |
| 20% | May 6 | Oct 7 |
| 30% | May 2 | Oct 10 |
| 40% | Apr 29 | Oct 13 |
| 50% | Apr 25 | Oct 16 |
| 60% | Apr 22 | Oct 19 |
| 70% | Apr 19 | Oct 22 |
| 80% | Apr 16 | Oct 25 |
| 90% | Apr 12 | Oct 29 |
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 8 | Oct 6 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 25 | Oct 16 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 10 | Oct 28 |
Planting calendar for Princeton
Transplant May 2 – May 16
Transplant May 9 – May 23
Transplant May 9 – May 23
Transplant May 2 – May 16
Sow or transplant May 2 – May 16
Sow or transplant May 2 – May 16
Sow or transplant May 9 – May 23
Sow or transplant Mar 28 – Apr 11
Fall sowing Aug 21 – Sep 18
Fall sowing Aug 21 – Sep 11
Fall sowing Aug 7 – Aug 21
Sow or transplant Mar 28 – Apr 11
Fall sowing Aug 7 – Sep 4
Transplant Apr 11 – Apr 25
Fall sowing Jul 24 – Aug 7
Transplant Apr 4 – Apr 18
Fall sowing Jul 24 – Aug 7
Fall sowing Jul 24 – Aug 7
Fall sowing Sep 4 – Sep 25
Fall sowing Aug 7 – Aug 21
Plant Mar 28 – Apr 11
Based on the average last frost (Apr 25) and first frost (Oct 16). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.