Last frost date in Needham, MA
The average last frost in Needham is April 26. By May 9 the chance of another 32°F night drops to 1 in 10. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 12, which leaves 169 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 1 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 9
- Average first frost
- Oct 12
- Frost-free season
- 169 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 13
Frost likely Fri night, low 31°F
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:24 UTC
- ThuOct 2237°
- FriOct 2331°frost
- SatOct 2432°frost
- SunOct 2536°possible frost
- MonOct 2643°
- TueOct 2739°
- WedOct 2840°
Planting calendar for Needham
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Massachusetts.
TomatoesMay 3–May 17
PumpkinsMay 10–May 24
SunflowersApr 26–May 17
CucumbersMay 10–May 17
CornMay 3–May 17
Sweet potatoesMay 17–May 31
WatermelonMay 10–May 24
Green beansMay 3–May 24
ZucchiniMay 3–May 17
OkraMay 17–May 31
PeppersMay 10–May 24
BasilMay 3–May 17
Butternut squashMay 3–May 17
CantaloupeMay 10–May 24
EggplantMay 10–May 24
PotatoesMar 29–Apr 12
OnionsMar 15–Apr 5
CarrotsApr 5–May 10
LettuceApr 12–May 3
BroccoliMar 29–Apr 12
BeetsMar 29–May 10
PeasMar 15–Mar 29
CabbageMar 29–Apr 12
RadishesMar 22–May 3
Brussels sproutsApr 12–Apr 26
SpinachMar 15–Apr 5
CilantroApr 12–May 3
KaleMar 29–Apr 12
Collard greensMar 29–Apr 12
TurnipsMar 29–Apr 12
DillApr 26–May 10
CeleryMay 3–May 10
CauliflowerApr 12–Apr 26
LeeksApr 12–Apr 26
Swiss chardApr 12–May 10
ParsleyApr 12–May 3
Tulip bulbsSep 28–Nov 2
GarlicSep 21–Oct 26
Daffodil bulbsSep 14–Oct 26
StrawberriesMar 29–Apr 12
AsparagusMar 29–Apr 12Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 14 | Apr 26 | May 9 | Oct 1 | Oct 12 | Oct 26 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 2 | Apr 13 | Apr 24 | Oct 10 | Oct 24 | Nov 6 |
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 Natick (USC00195175) sits 5.2 miles from the center of Needham at 180 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 Needham, MA?
The average last frost date in Needham is April 26, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 9.
When is the first frost in Needham?
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 Needham?
About 169 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Needham?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 3 to May 17. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.