Frost dates for 15217 — Pittsburgh, PA
How Pittsburgh compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Pittsburgh falls between March 22 and April 22, a 31-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 28 and November 27.
- The median last frost is 22 days earlier than the Pennsylvania median of Apr 27.
- Its 219-day growing season is longer than 97% of the 1,787 Pennsylvania places with a regular frost season (state median 175 days).
- The last frost is 17 days earlier than the zone 6b median of Apr 22. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 6b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 92 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 22 |
| 50% (median) | April 5 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 22 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 28 |
| 50% (median) | November 10 |
| 90% (late) | November 27 |
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 Pittsburgh, PA
Frost dates for 15217 — Pittsburgh, PA — last frost Apr 5, first frost Nov 10, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Pittsburgh, PA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 11 – Jan 25 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Apr 19 – May 3 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Apr 19 – May 3 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | Mar 8 – Apr 12 | Sep 15 – Oct 13 |
| Kale | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Sep 1 – Sep 22 |
| Broccoli | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | — | Aug 4 – Aug 25 |
| Cabbage | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | — | Aug 4 – Aug 25 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | — | Aug 4 – Aug 25 |
| Okra | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Apr 26 – May 10 | Apr 26 – May 10 | — |
| Basil | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 22 – Mar 15 | Aug 18 – Sep 8 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 22 – Mar 15 | Sep 15 – Oct 6 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 1 – Apr 12 | Sep 29 – Oct 20 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 8 – Mar 15 | Apr 19 – Apr 26 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 8 – Mar 15 | — | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Sep 1 – Sep 15 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 8 – Mar 15 | — | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 8 – Mar 15 | Apr 19 – May 3 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 15 – Apr 12 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 15 – Apr 12 | Sep 1 – Sep 15 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 15 – Apr 5 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 22 – Apr 19 | Sep 1 – Sep 15 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 22 – Apr 12 | Sep 15 – Oct 6 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 12 – May 3 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 19 – May 10 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 27 – Dec 1 |
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 Braddock Lock, PA weather station, 7 km away (elevation 732 ft (223 m)).
ZIP codes in Pittsburgh: 15201 15202 15203 15204 15205 15206 15207 15208 15209 15210 15211 15212 15213 15214 15215 15216 15217 15218 15219 15220 15221 15222 15223 15224 15225 15226 15227 15228 15229 15230 15231 15232 15233 15234 15235 15236 15237 15238 15239 15240 15241 15242 15243 15244 15250 15251 15252 15253 15254 15255 15257 15258 15259 15260 15261 15262 15264 15265 15267 15268 …
Frost dates near Pittsburgh
- West Mifflin Apr 18 · Oct 28
- Homestead Apr 5 · Nov 10
- Braddock Apr 5 · Nov 10
- East Pittsburgh Apr 5 · Nov 10
- Turtle Creek Apr 5 · Nov 10
- Coulters Apr 24 · Oct 27
- Duquesne Apr 5 · Nov 10
- Dravosburg Apr 18 · Oct 28
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Pittsburgh, PA?
The median last spring frost in Pittsburgh, PA is April 5. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 22, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Pittsburgh, PA?
The median first fall frost is November 10, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 28.
How long is the growing season in Pittsburgh, PA?
About 219 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Pittsburgh, PA?
Pittsburgh, PA is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.