Frost Dates for Ithaca, NY
In Ithaca, NY, the average last spring frost is around May 11 and the average first fall frost around Oct 3, for a growing season of about 145 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 26, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Ithaca Cornell Univ, NY weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 960 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 26 | Sep 21 |
| 20% | May 21 | Sep 25 |
| 30% | May 18 | Sep 28 |
| 40% | May 14 | Oct 1 |
| 50% | May 11 | Oct 3 |
| 60% | May 8 | Oct 6 |
| 70% | May 4 | Oct 11 |
| 80% | Apr 30 | Oct 15 |
| 90% | Apr 27 | Oct 21 |
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 24 | Sep 23 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | May 11 | Oct 3 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 30 | Oct 18 |
Planting calendar for Ithaca
Transplant May 18 – Jun 1
Transplant May 25 – Jun 8
Transplant May 25 – Jun 8
Transplant May 18 – Jun 1
Sow or transplant May 18 – Jun 1
Sow or transplant May 18 – Jun 1
Sow or transplant May 25 – Jun 8
Sow or transplant Apr 13 – Apr 27
Fall sowing Aug 8 – Sep 5
Fall sowing Aug 8 – Aug 29
Fall sowing Jul 25 – Aug 8
Sow or transplant Apr 13 – Apr 27
Fall sowing Jul 25 – Aug 22
Transplant Apr 27 – May 11
Fall sowing Jul 11 – Jul 25
Transplant Apr 20 – May 4
Fall sowing Jul 11 – Jul 25
Fall sowing Jul 11 – Jul 25
Fall sowing Aug 22 – Sep 12
Fall sowing Jul 25 – Aug 8
Plant Apr 13 – Apr 27
Based on the average last frost (May 11) and first frost (Oct 3). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.