Last frost date in Utica, NY
Expect the last frost in Utica around May 1. Frost after May 17 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 13, which leaves 164 frost-free days. An early freeze before September 29 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 17
- Average first frost
- Oct 13
- Frost-free season
- 164 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 20
Frost likely tonight, low 31°F
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2231°frost
- FriOct 2329°frost
- SatOct 2430°frost
- SunOct 2538°
- MonOct 2640°
- TueOct 2737°
- WedOct 2841°
Planting calendar for Utica
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across New York.
TomatoesMay 8–May 22
PumpkinsMay 15–May 29
SunflowersMay 1–May 22
CucumbersMay 15–May 22
CornMay 8–May 22
Sweet potatoesMay 22–Jun 5
WatermelonMay 15–May 29
Green beansMay 8–May 29
ZucchiniMay 8–May 22
OkraMay 22–Jun 5
PeppersMay 15–May 29
BasilMay 8–May 22
Butternut squashMay 8–May 22
CantaloupeMay 15–May 29
EggplantMay 15–May 29
PotatoesApr 3–Apr 17
OnionsMar 20–Apr 10
CarrotsApr 10–May 15
LettuceApr 17–May 8
BroccoliApr 3–Apr 17
BeetsApr 3–May 15
PeasMar 20–Apr 3
CabbageApr 3–Apr 17
RadishesMar 27–May 8
Brussels sproutsApr 17–May 1
SpinachMar 20–Apr 10
CilantroApr 17–May 8
KaleApr 3–Apr 17
Collard greensApr 3–Apr 17
TurnipsApr 3–Apr 17
DillMay 1–May 15
CeleryMay 8–May 15
CauliflowerApr 17–May 1
LeeksApr 17–May 1
Swiss chardApr 17–May 15
ParsleyApr 17–May 8
Tulip bulbsSep 29–Nov 3
GarlicSep 22–Oct 27
Daffodil bulbsSep 15–Oct 27
StrawberriesApr 3–Apr 17
AsparagusApr 3–Apr 17Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 19 | May 1 | May 17 | Sep 29 | Oct 13 | Nov 1 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 8 | Apr 20 | May 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 27 | Nov 11 |
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 Utica Oneida County Airport (USW00094794) sits 8.6 miles from the center of Utica at 711 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 Utica, NY?
The average last frost date in Utica is May 1, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 17.
When is the first frost in Utica?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 13. One year in ten it arrives before September 29.
How long is the growing season in Utica?
About 164 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Utica?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 8 to May 22. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in New York
- RomeMay 6
- SyracuseApr 29
- RotterdamApr 27
- AuburnMay 2
- SchenectadyApr 27
- WatertownMay 2
- NiskayunaApr 27
- Saratoga SpringsMay 2
- BinghamtonMay 2
- AlbanyApr 27
- IthacaMay 11
- TroyApr 19