Last frost date in Gloucester, MA
In Gloucester, the last spring frost comes around May 4 in an average year. Wait until May 17 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 12, which leaves 160 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 1 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 17
- Average first frost
- Oct 12
- Frost-free season
- 160 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 23
Frost possible in low spots Fri night, low 36°F
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2238°
- FriOct 2336°possible frost
- SatOct 2437°
- SunOct 2539°
- MonOct 2643°
- TueOct 2740°
- WedOct 2841°
Planting calendar for Gloucester
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Massachusetts.
TomatoesMay 11–May 25
PumpkinsMay 18–Jun 1
SunflowersMay 4–May 25
CucumbersMay 18–May 25
CornMay 11–May 25
Sweet potatoesMay 25–Jun 8
WatermelonMay 18–Jun 1
Green beansMay 11–Jun 1
ZucchiniMay 11–May 25
OkraMay 25–Jun 8
PeppersMay 18–Jun 1
BasilMay 11–May 25
Butternut squashMay 11–May 25
CantaloupeMay 18–Jun 1
EggplantMay 18–Jun 1
PotatoesApr 6–Apr 20
OnionsMar 23–Apr 13
CarrotsApr 13–May 18
LettuceApr 20–May 11
BroccoliApr 6–Apr 20
BeetsApr 6–May 18
PeasMar 23–Apr 6
CabbageApr 6–Apr 20
RadishesMar 30–May 11
Brussels sproutsApr 20–May 4
SpinachMar 23–Apr 13
CilantroApr 20–May 11
KaleApr 6–Apr 20
Collard greensApr 6–Apr 20
TurnipsApr 6–Apr 20
DillMay 4–May 18
CeleryMay 11–May 18
CauliflowerApr 20–May 4
LeeksApr 20–May 4
Swiss chardApr 20–May 18
ParsleyApr 20–May 11
Tulip bulbsSep 28–Nov 2
GarlicSep 21–Oct 26
Daffodil bulbsSep 14–Oct 26
StrawberriesApr 6–Apr 20
AsparagusApr 6–Apr 20Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 24 | May 4 | May 17 | Oct 1 | Oct 12 | Oct 28 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | May 5 | Oct 10 | Oct 25 | Nov 8 |
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 Beverly (USC00190593) sits 8.2 miles from the center of Gloucester at 65 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 Gloucester, MA?
The average last frost date in Gloucester is May 4, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 17.
When is the first frost in Gloucester?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 12. One year in ten it arrives before October 1.
How long is the growing season in Gloucester?
About 160 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Gloucester?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 11 to May 25. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.