Randolph, NH frost dates
Last spring frostMay 14median date
First fall frostSep 26median date
Growing season135 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone5aZone 5a
How Randolph compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Randolph falls between May 2 and May 29, a 27-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 11 and October 6.
- The median last frost is 7 days later than the New Hampshire median of May 7.
- Its 135-day growing season is longer than 14% of the 252 New Hampshire places with a regular frost season (state median 150 days).
- The last frost is 11 days later than the zone 5a median of May 3. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 5a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 181 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Portland, ME, 114 km away, the last frost here is 18 days later than there and the growing season is 37 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 2 |
| 50% (median) | May 14 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 29 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 11 |
| 50% (median) | September 26 |
| 90% (late) | October 6 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Randolph, NH
Randolph, NH frost dates — last frost May 14, first frost Sep 26, zone 5a. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
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Start indoors: Feb 19 to Mar 5Transplant outside: Apr 16 to Apr 30
Start indoors: Mar 5 to Mar 19Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 11
Start indoors: Mar 5 to Mar 19Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 11
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: May 21 to Jun 4
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 23 to May 7Sow outdoors: Apr 16 to May 21Plant for fall: Aug 1 to Aug 29
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 16 to Apr 30Sow outdoors: Apr 16 to Apr 30Plant for fall: Jul 18 to Aug 8
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 30 to May 14Plant for fall: Jun 20 to Jul 11
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 23 to May 7Plant for fall: Jun 20 to Jul 11
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 30 to May 14Plant for fall: Jun 20 to Jul 11
Start indoors: Apr 2 to Apr 16Transplant outside: Jun 4 to Jun 18Sow outdoors: Jun 4 to Jun 18
Start indoors: Apr 2 to Apr 16Transplant outside: May 21 to Jun 4
Sow outdoors: Apr 2 to Apr 23Plant for fall: Jul 4 to Jul 25
Sow outdoors: Apr 2 to Apr 23Plant for fall: Aug 1 to Aug 22
Sow outdoors: Apr 9 to May 21Plant for fall: Aug 15 to Sep 5
Start indoors: Apr 16 to Apr 23Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 4Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 4Plant for fall: Jul 11 to Jul 25
Start indoors: Apr 16 to Apr 23Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 4Plant for fall: Jul 18 to Aug 1
Start indoors: Apr 16 to Apr 23Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 4
Start indoors: Apr 16 to Apr 23Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 11
Sow outdoors: Apr 23 to May 21Plant for fall: Jul 4 to Jul 18
Sow outdoors: Apr 23 to May 21Plant for fall: Jul 18 to Aug 1
Sow outdoors: Apr 23 to May 14
Sow outdoors: Apr 30 to May 28Plant for fall: Jul 18 to Aug 1
Sow outdoors: Apr 30 to May 21Plant for fall: Aug 1 to Aug 22
Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 11Plant for fall: Jul 11 to Jul 25
Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 4
Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 18
Plant for fall: Sep 12 to Oct 17
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Randolph, NH
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 28 – Jun 11 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 28 – Jun 11 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | May 21 – Jun 4 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 23 – May 7 | Apr 16 – May 21 | Aug 1 – Aug 29 |
| Kale | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Jul 18 – Aug 8 |
| Broccoli | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | Jun 20 – Jul 11 |
| Cabbage | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | Jun 20 – Jul 11 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | Jun 20 – Jul 11 |
| Okra | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 | — |
| Basil | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | May 21 – Jun 4 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | Jul 4 – Jul 25 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 9 – May 21 | Aug 15 – Sep 5 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | May 28 – Jun 4 | May 21 – Jun 4 | Jul 11 – Jul 25 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | — | May 21 – Jun 4 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | — | May 21 – Jun 4 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | May 28 – Jun 11 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 23 – May 21 | Jul 4 – Jul 18 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 23 – May 21 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 23 – May 14 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 30 – May 28 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 30 – May 21 | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 21 – Jun 11 | Jul 11 – Jul 25 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 21 – Jun 4 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 28 – Jun 18 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 12 – Oct 17 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Gorham Ap, NH weather station, 7 km away (elevation 801 ft (244 m)).
Frost dates near Randolph
- Gorham May 14 · Sep 26
- Berlin May 14 · Sep 30
- Jefferson May 8 · Oct 1
- Bretton Woods frost any month
- Jackson May 18 · Oct 1
- Twin Mountain May 24 · Sep 18
- Milan May 30 · Sep 19
- Whitefield May 27 · Sep 19
- Lancaster May 18 · Sep 30
- Groveton May 19 · Sep 29
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Randolph, NH?
The median last spring frost in Randolph, NH is May 14. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 29, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Randolph, NH?
The median first fall frost is September 26, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 11.
How long is the growing season in Randolph, NH?
About 135 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Randolph, NH?
Randolph, NH is in USDA hardiness zone 5a.