Frost Dates for State College, PA
In State College, PA, the average last spring frost is around Apr 20 and the average first fall frost around Oct 26, for a growing season of about 187 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 6, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the State College, PA weather station, under 1 mile away, elevation 1,170 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 6 | Oct 10 |
| 20% | May 1 | Oct 17 |
| 30% | Apr 27 | Oct 20 |
| 40% | Apr 23 | Oct 23 |
| 50% | Apr 20 | Oct 26 |
| 60% | Apr 18 | Oct 30 |
| 70% | Apr 15 | Nov 1 |
| 80% | Apr 12 | Nov 4 |
| 90% | Apr 7 | Nov 9 |
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 1 | Oct 14 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 20 | Oct 26 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 8 | Nov 5 |
Planting calendar for State College
Transplant Apr 27 – May 11
Transplant May 4 – May 18
Transplant May 4 – May 18
Transplant Apr 27 – May 11
Sow or transplant Apr 27 – May 11
Sow or transplant Apr 27 – May 11
Sow or transplant May 4 – May 18
Sow or transplant Mar 23 – Apr 6
Fall sowing Aug 31 – Sep 28
Fall sowing Aug 31 – Sep 21
Fall sowing Aug 17 – Aug 31
Sow or transplant Mar 23 – Apr 6
Fall sowing Aug 17 – Sep 14
Transplant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Fall sowing Aug 3 – Aug 17
Transplant Mar 30 – Apr 13
Fall sowing Aug 3 – Aug 17
Fall sowing Aug 3 – Aug 17
Fall sowing Sep 14 – Oct 5
Fall sowing Aug 17 – Aug 31
Plant Mar 23 – Apr 6
Based on the average last frost (Apr 20) and first frost (Oct 26). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.