Frost dates for 02907 — Providence, RI
How Providence compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Providence falls between April 1 and April 23, a 22-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 16 and November 12.
- The median last frost is 11 days earlier than the Rhode Island median of Apr 22.
- Its 202-day growing season is longer than 61% of the 70 Rhode Island places with a regular frost season (state median 181 days).
- The last frost is 5 days earlier than the zone 7a median of Apr 16. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 7a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 109 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Worcester, MA, 63 km away, the last frost here is 12 days earlier than there and the growing season is 21 days longer.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 1 |
| 50% (median) | April 11 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 23 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 16 |
| 50% (median) | October 30 |
| 90% (late) | November 12 |
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 Providence, RI
Frost dates for 02907 — Providence, RI — last frost Apr 11, first frost Oct 30, zone 7a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Providence, RI
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 17 – Jan 31 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Mar 14 – Apr 18 | Sep 4 – Oct 2 |
| Kale | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Aug 21 – Sep 11 |
| Broccoli | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Cabbage | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | — | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Okra | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 2 – May 16 | May 2 – May 16 | — |
| Basil | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 28 – Mar 21 | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 28 – Mar 21 | Sep 4 – Sep 25 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 7 – Apr 18 | Sep 18 – Oct 9 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 2 | Apr 18 – May 2 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | — | Apr 18 – May 2 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | — | Apr 18 – May 2 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 21 – Apr 18 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 21 – Apr 18 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 21 – Apr 11 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 25 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 18 | Sep 4 – Sep 25 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 18 – May 9 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 18 – May 2 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 25 – May 16 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 16 – Nov 20 |
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 Providence T F Green Ap, RI weather station, 8 km away (elevation 59 ft (18 m)).
ZIP codes in Providence: 02901 02902 02903 02904 02905 02906 02907 02908 02909 02912 02918 02940
Frost dates near Providence
- Cranston Apr 11 · Oct 30
- East Providence Apr 11 · Oct 30
- Riverside Apr 11 · Oct 30
- North Providence Apr 22 · Oct 19
- Rumford Apr 11 · Oct 30
- Johnston Apr 11 · Oct 30
- Warwick Apr 11 · Oct 30
- Pawtucket Apr 22 · Oct 19
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Providence, RI?
The median last spring frost in Providence, RI is April 11. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 23, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Providence, RI?
The median first fall frost is October 30, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 16.
How long is the growing season in Providence, RI?
About 202 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Providence, RI?
Providence, RI is in USDA hardiness zone 7a.