Altoona, PA frost dates
Last spring frostApr 25median date
First fall frostOct 21median date
Growing season179 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone6bZone 6b
How Altoona compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Altoona falls between April 10 and May 11, a 31-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 5 and November 5.
- The median last frost is 2 days earlier than the Pennsylvania median of Apr 27.
- Its 179-day growing season is longer than 60% of the 1,787 Pennsylvania places with a regular frost season (state median 175 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 6b, where the median is Apr 22.
- The weather station records an average of 128 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 10 |
| 50% (median) | April 25 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 11 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 5 |
| 50% (median) | October 21 |
| 90% (late) | November 5 |
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 Altoona, PA
Altoona, PA frost dates — last frost Apr 25, first frost Oct 21, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
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Start indoors: Jan 31 to Feb 14Transplant outside: Mar 28 to Apr 11
Start indoors: Feb 14 to Feb 28Transplant outside: May 9 to May 23
Start indoors: Feb 14 to Feb 28Transplant outside: May 9 to May 23
Start indoors: Feb 28 to Mar 14Transplant outside: May 2 to May 16
Start indoors: Feb 28 to Mar 14Transplant outside: Apr 4 to Apr 18Sow outdoors: Mar 28 to May 2Plant for fall: Aug 26 to Sep 23
Start indoors: Feb 28 to Mar 14Transplant outside: Mar 28 to Apr 11Sow outdoors: Mar 28 to Apr 11Plant for fall: Aug 12 to Sep 2
Start indoors: Feb 28 to Mar 14Transplant outside: Apr 11 to Apr 25Plant for fall: Jul 15 to Aug 5
Start indoors: Feb 28 to Mar 14Transplant outside: Apr 4 to Apr 18Plant for fall: Jul 15 to Aug 5
Start indoors: Feb 28 to Mar 14Transplant outside: Apr 11 to Apr 25Plant for fall: Jul 15 to Aug 5
Start indoors: Mar 14 to Mar 28Transplant outside: May 16 to May 30Sow outdoors: May 16 to May 30
Start indoors: Mar 14 to Mar 28Transplant outside: May 2 to May 16
Sow outdoors: Mar 14 to Apr 4Plant for fall: Jul 29 to Aug 19
Sow outdoors: Mar 14 to Apr 4Plant for fall: Aug 26 to Sep 16
Sow outdoors: Mar 21 to May 2Plant for fall: Sep 9 to Sep 30
Start indoors: Mar 28 to Apr 4Transplant outside: May 9 to May 16Sow outdoors: May 2 to May 16Plant for fall: Aug 5 to Aug 19
Start indoors: Mar 28 to Apr 4Sow outdoors: May 2 to May 16Plant for fall: Aug 12 to Aug 26
Start indoors: Mar 28 to Apr 4Sow outdoors: May 2 to May 16
Start indoors: Mar 28 to Apr 4Transplant outside: May 9 to May 23
Sow outdoors: Apr 4 to May 2Plant for fall: Jul 29 to Aug 12
Sow outdoors: Apr 4 to May 2Plant for fall: Aug 12 to Aug 26
Sow outdoors: Apr 4 to Apr 25
Sow outdoors: Apr 11 to May 9Plant for fall: Aug 12 to Aug 26
Sow outdoors: Apr 11 to May 2Plant for fall: Aug 26 to Sep 16
Sow outdoors: May 2 to May 23Plant for fall: Aug 5 to Aug 19
Sow outdoors: May 2 to May 16
Transplant outside: May 9 to May 30
Plant for fall: Oct 7 to Nov 11
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Altoona, PA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | May 9 – May 23 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | May 9 – May 23 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 2 – May 16 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | Mar 28 – May 2 | Aug 26 – Sep 23 |
| Kale | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Broccoli | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Cabbage | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Okra | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | May 16 – May 30 | May 16 – May 30 | — |
| Basil | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | May 2 – May 16 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 14 – Apr 4 | Jul 29 – Aug 19 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 14 – Apr 4 | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 21 – May 2 | Sep 9 – Sep 30 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | May 9 – May 16 | May 2 – May 16 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | — | May 2 – May 16 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | — | May 2 – May 16 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | May 9 – May 23 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 4 – May 2 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 4 – May 2 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 4 – Apr 25 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 11 – May 9 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 11 – May 2 | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 2 – May 23 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 2 – May 16 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 9 – May 30 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 7 – Nov 11 |
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 Altoona 3 W, PA weather station, 6 km away (elevation 1,319 ft (402 m)).
ZIP codes in Altoona: 16601 16602 16603
Frost dates near Altoona
- Hollidaysburg Apr 25 · Oct 20
- Duncansville Apr 25 · Oct 20
- Coupon Apr 25 · Oct 21
- Bellwood Apr 25 · Oct 21
- Ashville Apr 25 · Oct 21
- Gallitzin Apr 25 · Oct 21
- Newry Apr 25 · Oct 20
- Dysart May 10 · Oct 5
- Tipton Apr 25 · Oct 21
- Williamsburg Apr 23 · Oct 21
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Altoona, PA?
The median last spring frost in Altoona, PA is April 25. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 11, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Altoona, PA?
The median first fall frost is October 21, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 5.
How long is the growing season in Altoona, PA?
About 179 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Altoona, PA?
Altoona, PA is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.