Last frost date in Shirley, NY
In Shirley, the last spring frost comes around April 18 in an average year. Wait until May 1 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 28, which leaves 193 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 13 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 1
- Average first frost
- Oct 28
- Frost-free season
- 193 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 3
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2240°
- FriOct 2337°
- SatOct 2438°
- SunOct 2542°
- MonOct 2646°
- TueOct 2746°
- WedOct 2847°
Planting calendar for Shirley
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across New York.
TomatoesApr 25–May 9
PumpkinsMay 2–May 16
SunflowersApr 18–May 9
CucumbersMay 2–May 9
CornApr 25–May 9
Sweet potatoesMay 9–May 23
WatermelonMay 2–May 16
Green beansApr 25–May 16
ZucchiniApr 25–May 9
OkraMay 9–May 23
PeppersMay 2–May 16
BasilApr 25–May 9
Butternut squashApr 25–May 9
CantaloupeMay 2–May 16
EggplantMay 2–May 16
PotatoesMar 21–Apr 4
OnionsMar 7–Mar 28
CarrotsMar 28–May 2
LettuceApr 4–Apr 25
BroccoliMar 21–Apr 4
BeetsMar 21–May 2
PeasMar 7–Mar 21
CabbageMar 21–Apr 4
RadishesMar 14–Apr 25
Brussels sproutsApr 4–Apr 18
SpinachMar 7–Mar 28
CilantroApr 4–Apr 25
KaleMar 21–Apr 4
Collard greensMar 21–Apr 4
TurnipsMar 21–Apr 4
DillApr 18–May 2
CeleryApr 25–May 2
CauliflowerApr 4–Apr 18
LeeksApr 4–Apr 18
Swiss chardApr 4–May 2
ParsleyApr 4–Apr 25
Tulip bulbsOct 14–Nov 18
GarlicOct 7–Nov 11
Daffodil bulbsSep 30–Nov 11
StrawberriesMar 21–Apr 4
AsparagusMar 21–Apr 4Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 4 | Apr 18 | May 1 | Oct 13 | Oct 28 | Nov 11 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 21 | Apr 3 | Apr 17 | Oct 24 | Nov 9 | Nov 25 |
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 Shirley Brookhaven Airport (USW00054790) sits 2.0 miles from the center of Shirley at 82 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 Shirley, NY?
The average last frost date in Shirley is April 18, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 1.
When is the first frost in Shirley?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 28. One year in ten it arrives before October 13.
How long is the growing season in Shirley?
About 193 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Shirley?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 25 to May 9. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in New York
- East PatchogueApr 10
- MedfordApr 18
- CoramApr 4
- HolbrookApr 10
- SeldenApr 4
- CentereachApr 10
- Central IslipApr 10
- HauppaugeApr 10
- SmithtownApr 10
- Bay ShoreApr 4
- North Bay ShoreApr 6
- CommackApr 9