Frost dates for 19114 — Philadelphia, PA
How Philadelphia compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Philadelphia falls between March 21 and April 17, a 27-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 24 and November 22.
- The median last frost is 23 days earlier than the Pennsylvania median of Apr 27.
- Its 217-day growing season is longer than 96% of the 1,787 Pennsylvania places with a regular frost season (state median 175 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 7b, where the median is Apr 5.
- The weather station records an average of 88 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Brooklyn, NY, 110 km away, the last frost here is 3 days later than there and the growing season is 15 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 21 |
| 50% (median) | April 4 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 17 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 24 |
| 50% (median) | November 7 |
| 90% (late) | November 22 |
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 Philadelphia, PA
Frost dates for 19114 — Philadelphia, PA — last frost Apr 4, first frost Nov 7, zone 7b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Philadelphia, PA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Mar 7 – Apr 11 | Sep 12 – Oct 10 |
| Kale | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | Aug 29 – Sep 19 |
| Broccoli | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | — | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Cabbage | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | — | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | — | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Okra | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Apr 25 – May 9 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — |
| Basil | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 21 – Mar 14 | Aug 15 – Sep 5 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 21 – Mar 14 | Sep 12 – Oct 3 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 28 – Apr 11 | Sep 26 – Oct 17 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 7 – Mar 14 | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 7 – Mar 14 | — | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 7 – Mar 14 | — | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 7 – Mar 14 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 14 – Apr 11 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 14 – Apr 11 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 14 – Apr 4 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 21 – Apr 18 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 21 – Apr 11 | Sep 12 – Oct 3 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 11 – May 2 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 18 – May 9 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 24 – Nov 28 |
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 Philadelphia Ne Ap, PA weather station, 2 km away (elevation 102 ft (31 m)).
ZIP codes in Philadelphia: 19019 19092 19093 19099 19101 19102 19103 19104 19105 19106 19107 19108 19109 19110 19111 19112 19113 19114 19115 19116 19118 19119 19120 19121 19122 19123 19124 19125 19126 19127 19128 19129 19130 19131 19132 19133 19134 19135 19136 19137 19138 19139 19140 19141 19142 19143 19144 19145 19146 19147 19148 19149 19150 19151 19152 19153 19154 19155 19160 19161 …
Frost dates near Philadelphia
- Bensalem Apr 21 · Oct 25
- Huntingdon Valley Apr 4 · Nov 7
- Cheltenham Apr 4 · Nov 7
- Croydon Apr 21 · Oct 25
- Bryn Athyn Apr 4 · Nov 7
- Jenkintown Apr 4 · Nov 7
- Feasterville Trevose Apr 21 · Oct 25
- Elkins Park Apr 4 · Nov 7
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Philadelphia, PA?
The median last spring frost in Philadelphia, PA is April 4. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 17, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Philadelphia, PA?
The median first fall frost is November 7, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 24.
How long is the growing season in Philadelphia, PA?
About 217 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Philadelphia, PA?
Philadelphia, PA is in USDA hardiness zone 7b.