Last frost date in Fitchburg, MA
The average last frost in Fitchburg is May 1. By May 14 the chance of another 32°F night drops to 1 in 10. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 9, which leaves 162 frost-free days. An early freeze before September 29 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 14
- Average first frost
- Oct 9
- Frost-free season
- 162 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 18
Frost likely Fri night, low 29°F
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2234°possible frost
- FriOct 2329°frost
- SatOct 2432°frost
- SunOct 2537°
- MonOct 2642°
- TueOct 2736°possible frost
- WedOct 2838°
Planting calendar for Fitchburg
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Massachusetts.
TomatoesMay 8–May 22
PumpkinsMay 15–May 29
SunflowersMay 1–May 22
CucumbersMay 15–May 22
CornMay 8–May 22
Sweet potatoesMay 22–Jun 5
WatermelonMay 15–May 29
Green beansMay 8–May 29
ZucchiniMay 8–May 22
OkraMay 22–Jun 5
PeppersMay 15–May 29
BasilMay 8–May 22
Butternut squashMay 8–May 22
CantaloupeMay 15–May 29
EggplantMay 15–May 29
PotatoesApr 3–Apr 17
OnionsMar 20–Apr 10
CarrotsApr 10–May 15
LettuceApr 17–May 8
BroccoliApr 3–Apr 17
BeetsApr 3–May 15
PeasMar 20–Apr 3
CabbageApr 3–Apr 17
RadishesMar 27–May 8
Brussels sproutsApr 17–May 1
SpinachMar 20–Apr 10
CilantroApr 17–May 8
KaleApr 3–Apr 17
Collard greensApr 3–Apr 17
TurnipsApr 3–Apr 17
DillMay 1–May 15
CeleryMay 8–May 15
CauliflowerApr 17–May 1
LeeksApr 17–May 1
Swiss chardApr 17–May 15
ParsleyApr 17–May 8
Tulip bulbsSep 25–Oct 30
GarlicSep 18–Oct 23
Daffodil bulbsSep 11–Oct 23
StrawberriesApr 3–Apr 17
AsparagusApr 3–Apr 17Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 19 | May 1 | May 14 | Sep 29 | Oct 9 | Oct 26 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 5 | Apr 18 | May 1 | Oct 5 | Oct 21 | Nov 7 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Fitchburg Coop (USC00192807) sits 1.2 miles from the center of Fitchburg at 665 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Fitchburg, MA?
The average last frost date in Fitchburg is May 1, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 14.
When is the first frost in Fitchburg?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 9. One year in ten it arrives before September 29.
How long is the growing season in Fitchburg?
About 162 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Fitchburg?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 8 to May 22. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Massachusetts
- LeominsterApr 29
- GardnerMay 2
- MarlboroughMay 2
- WorcesterApr 23
- LowellApr 30
- FraminghamApr 26
- LexingtonApr 28
- BurlingtonApr 25
- WalthamApr 28
- WilmingtonApr 25
- MethuenApr 13
- LawrenceApr 13