Last frost date in Northampton, MA
Expect the last frost in Northampton around May 5. Frost after May 19 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 8, which leaves 156 frost-free days. An early freeze before September 28 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 19
- Average first frost
- Oct 8
- Frost-free season
- 156 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 23
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 2430°frost
- SunOct 2534°possible frost
- MonOct 2641°
- TueOct 2737°
- WedOct 2839°
Planting calendar for Northampton
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Massachusetts.
TomatoesMay 12–May 26
PumpkinsMay 19–Jun 2
SunflowersMay 5–May 26
CucumbersMay 19–May 26
CornMay 12–May 26
Sweet potatoesMay 26–Jun 9
WatermelonMay 19–Jun 2
Green beansMay 12–Jun 2
ZucchiniMay 12–May 26
OkraMay 26–Jun 9
PeppersMay 19–Jun 2
BasilMay 12–May 26
Butternut squashMay 12–May 26
CantaloupeMay 19–Jun 2
EggplantMay 19–Jun 2
PotatoesApr 7–Apr 21
OnionsMar 24–Apr 14
CarrotsApr 14–May 19
LettuceApr 21–May 12
BroccoliApr 7–Apr 21
BeetsApr 7–May 19
PeasMar 24–Apr 7
CabbageApr 7–Apr 21
RadishesMar 31–May 12
Brussels sproutsApr 21–May 5
SpinachMar 24–Apr 14
CilantroApr 21–May 12
KaleApr 7–Apr 21
Collard greensApr 7–Apr 21
TurnipsApr 7–Apr 21
DillMay 5–May 19
CeleryMay 12–May 19
CauliflowerApr 21–May 5
LeeksApr 21–May 5
Swiss chardApr 21–May 19
ParsleyApr 21–May 12
Tulip bulbsSep 24–Oct 29
GarlicSep 17–Oct 22
Daffodil bulbsSep 10–Oct 22
StrawberriesApr 7–Apr 21
AsparagusApr 7–Apr 21Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 23 | May 5 | May 19 | Sep 28 | Oct 8 | Oct 23 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | May 7 | Oct 6 | Oct 21 | Nov 4 |
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 Amherst (USC00190120) sits 8.1 miles from the center of Northampton at 145 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 Northampton, MA?
The average last frost date in Northampton is May 5, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 19.
When is the first frost in Northampton?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 8. One year in ten it arrives before September 28.
How long is the growing season in Northampton?
About 156 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Northampton?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 12 to May 26. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Massachusetts
- HolyokeMay 3
- Amherst TownMay 5
- ChicopeeMay 3
- WestfieldMay 3
- West Springfield TownMay 3
- SpringfieldMay 3
- Agawam TownMay 3
- PittsfieldMay 5
- GardnerMay 2
- WorcesterApr 23
- FitchburgMay 1
- LeominsterApr 29