Last frost date in Salem, MA
In Salem, the last spring frost comes around April 25 in an average year. Wait until May 13 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 20, which leaves 176 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 5 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 13
- Average first frost
- Oct 20
- Frost-free season
- 176 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 11
Frost possible in low spots Fri night, low 36°F
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:24 UTC
- ThuOct 2240°
- FriOct 2336°possible frost
- SatOct 2437°
- SunOct 2541°
- MonOct 2646°
- TueOct 2742°
- WedOct 2843°
Planting calendar for Salem
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Massachusetts.
TomatoesMay 2–May 16
PumpkinsMay 9–May 23
SunflowersApr 25–May 16
CucumbersMay 9–May 16
CornMay 2–May 16
Sweet potatoesMay 16–May 30
WatermelonMay 9–May 23
Green beansMay 2–May 23
ZucchiniMay 2–May 16
OkraMay 16–May 30
PeppersMay 9–May 23
BasilMay 2–May 16
Butternut squashMay 2–May 16
CantaloupeMay 9–May 23
EggplantMay 9–May 23
PotatoesMar 28–Apr 11
OnionsMar 14–Apr 4
CarrotsApr 4–May 9
LettuceApr 11–May 2
BroccoliMar 28–Apr 11
BeetsMar 28–May 9
PeasMar 14–Mar 28
CabbageMar 28–Apr 11
RadishesMar 21–May 2
Brussels sproutsApr 11–Apr 25
SpinachMar 14–Apr 4
CilantroApr 11–May 2
KaleMar 28–Apr 11
Collard greensMar 28–Apr 11
TurnipsMar 28–Apr 11
DillApr 25–May 9
CeleryMay 2–May 9
CauliflowerApr 11–Apr 25
LeeksApr 11–Apr 25
Swiss chardApr 11–May 9
ParsleyApr 11–May 2
Tulip bulbsOct 6–Nov 10
GarlicSep 29–Nov 3
Daffodil bulbsSep 22–Nov 3
StrawberriesMar 28–Apr 11
AsparagusMar 28–Apr 11Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 12 | Apr 25 | May 13 | Oct 5 | Oct 20 | Nov 3 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 1 | Apr 11 | Apr 27 | Oct 17 | Oct 31 | Nov 15 |
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 Marblehead (USC00194502) sits 1.7 miles from the center of Salem at 84 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 Salem, MA?
The average last frost date in Salem is April 25, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 13.
When is the first frost in Salem?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 20. One year in ten it arrives before October 5.
How long is the growing season in Salem?
About 176 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Salem?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 2 to May 16. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.