Last frost date in Elmira, NY
The average last frost in Elmira is May 6. By May 21 the chance of another 32°F night drops to 1 in 10. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 11, which leaves 158 frost-free days. An early freeze before September 29 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 21
- Average first frost
- Oct 11
- Frost-free season
- 158 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 25
Hard freeze likely Fri night, low 27°F
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2233°possible frost
- FriOct 2327°hard freeze
- SatOct 2429°frost
- SunOct 2536°possible frost
- MonOct 2641°
- TueOct 2738°
- WedOct 2841°
Planting calendar for Elmira
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across New York.
TomatoesMay 13–May 27
PumpkinsMay 20–Jun 3
SunflowersMay 6–May 27
CucumbersMay 20–May 27
CornMay 13–May 27
Sweet potatoesMay 27–Jun 10
WatermelonMay 20–Jun 3
Green beansMay 13–Jun 3
ZucchiniMay 13–May 27
OkraMay 27–Jun 10
PeppersMay 20–Jun 3
BasilMay 13–May 27
Butternut squashMay 13–May 27
CantaloupeMay 20–Jun 3
EggplantMay 20–Jun 3
PotatoesApr 8–Apr 22
OnionsMar 25–Apr 15
CarrotsApr 15–May 20
LettuceApr 22–May 13
BroccoliApr 8–Apr 22
BeetsApr 8–May 20
PeasMar 25–Apr 8
CabbageApr 8–Apr 22
RadishesApr 1–May 13
Brussels sproutsApr 22–May 6
SpinachMar 25–Apr 15
CilantroApr 22–May 13
KaleApr 8–Apr 22
Collard greensApr 8–Apr 22
TurnipsApr 8–Apr 22
DillMay 6–May 20
CeleryMay 13–May 20
CauliflowerApr 22–May 6
LeeksApr 22–May 6
Swiss chardApr 22–May 20
ParsleyApr 22–May 13
Tulip bulbsSep 27–Nov 1
GarlicSep 20–Oct 25
Daffodil bulbsSep 13–Oct 25
StrawberriesApr 8–Apr 22
AsparagusApr 8–Apr 22Frost 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 6 | May 21 | Sep 29 | Oct 11 | Oct 27 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 12 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Oct 7 | Oct 25 | 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 Elmira (USC00302610) sits 1.4 miles from the center of Elmira at 947 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 Elmira, NY?
The average last frost date in Elmira is May 6, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 21.
When is the first frost in Elmira?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 11. One year in ten it arrives before September 29.
How long is the growing season in Elmira?
About 158 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Elmira?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 13 to May 27. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in New York
- IthacaMay 11
- BinghamtonMay 2
- AuburnMay 2
- SyracuseApr 29
- BrightonApr 24
- RochesterApr 24
- IrondequoitApr 24
- RomeMay 6
- UticaMay 1
- West SenecaApr 24
- CheektowagaApr 24
- BuffaloApr 24