Frost dates for 19137 — Philadelphia, PA
How Philadelphia compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Philadelphia falls between April 1 and May 1, a 30-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 16 and November 12.
- The median last frost is 12 days earlier than the Pennsylvania median of Apr 27.
- Its 199-day growing season is longer than 87% of the 1,787 Pennsylvania places with a regular frost season (state median 175 days).
- The last frost is 10 days later than the zone 7b median of Apr 5. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 7b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 103 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Brooklyn, NY, 119 km away, the last frost here is 14 days later than there and the growing season is 33 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 1 |
| 50% (median) | April 15 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 1 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 16 |
| 50% (median) | October 31 |
| 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 Philadelphia, PA
Frost dates for 19137 — Philadelphia, PA — last frost Apr 15, first frost Oct 31, zone 7b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Philadelphia, PA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Apr 29 – May 13 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Apr 29 – May 13 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Mar 18 – Apr 22 | Sep 5 – Oct 3 |
| Kale | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Aug 22 – Sep 12 |
| Broccoli | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Cabbage | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Okra | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | May 6 – May 20 | May 6 – May 20 | — |
| Basil | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 4 – Mar 25 | Aug 8 – Aug 29 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 4 – Mar 25 | Sep 5 – Sep 26 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 11 – Apr 22 | Sep 19 – Oct 10 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 18 – Mar 25 | Apr 29 – May 6 | Apr 22 – May 6 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 18 – Mar 25 | — | Apr 22 – May 6 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 18 – Mar 25 | — | Apr 22 – May 6 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 18 – Mar 25 | Apr 29 – May 13 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 22 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 15 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 29 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 22 | Sep 5 – Sep 26 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 22 – May 13 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 22 – May 6 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 29 – May 20 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 17 – Nov 21 |
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 Pennsauken 1n, NJ weather station, 6 km away (elevation 46 ft (14 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
- Cheltenham Apr 4 · Nov 7
- Elkins Park Apr 4 · Nov 7
- Jenkintown Apr 4 · Nov 7
- Wyncote Apr 4 · Nov 7
- Bala Cynwyd Mar 30 · Nov 17
- Glenside Apr 11 · Nov 1
- Abington Apr 11 · Nov 1
- Huntingdon Valley 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 15. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 1, 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 October 31, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 16.
How long is the growing season in Philadelphia, PA?
About 199 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.