Last frost date in Reading, PA
In Reading, the last spring frost comes around April 14 in an average year. Wait until April 30 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 29, which leaves 197 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 13 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 30
- Average first frost
- Oct 29
- Frost-free season
- 197 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 1
Frost possible in low spots Fri night, low 33°F
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:24 UTC
- ThuOct 2241°
- FriOct 2333°possible frost
- SatOct 2434°possible frost
- SunOct 2538°
- MonOct 2644°
- TueOct 2744°
- WedOct 2844°
Planting calendar for Reading
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Pennsylvania.
TomatoesApr 21–May 5
PumpkinsApr 28–May 12
SunflowersApr 14–May 5
CucumbersApr 28–May 5
CornApr 21–May 5
Sweet potatoesMay 5–May 19
WatermelonApr 28–May 12
Green beansApr 21–May 12
ZucchiniApr 21–May 5
OkraMay 5–May 19
PeppersApr 28–May 12
BasilApr 21–May 5
Butternut squashApr 21–May 5
CantaloupeApr 28–May 12
EggplantApr 28–May 12
PotatoesMar 17–Mar 31
OnionsMar 3–Mar 24
CarrotsMar 24–Apr 28
LettuceMar 31–Apr 21
BroccoliMar 17–Mar 31
BeetsMar 17–Apr 28
PeasMar 3–Mar 17
CabbageMar 17–Mar 31
RadishesMar 10–Apr 21
Brussels sproutsMar 31–Apr 14
SpinachMar 3–Mar 24
CilantroMar 31–Apr 21
KaleMar 17–Mar 31
Collard greensMar 17–Mar 31
TurnipsMar 17–Mar 31
DillApr 14–Apr 28
CeleryApr 21–Apr 28
CauliflowerMar 31–Apr 14
LeeksMar 31–Apr 14
Swiss chardMar 31–Apr 28
ParsleyMar 31–Apr 21
Tulip bulbsOct 15–Nov 19
GarlicOct 8–Nov 12
Daffodil bulbsOct 1–Nov 12
StrawberriesMar 17–Mar 31
AsparagusMar 17–Mar 31Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 1 | Apr 14 | Apr 30 | Oct 13 | Oct 29 | Nov 10 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 17 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Oct 25 | Nov 8 | Nov 24 |
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 Reading Spaatz Field (USW00014712) sits 2.9 miles from the center of Reading at 341 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 Reading, PA?
The average last frost date in Reading is April 14, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 30.
When is the first frost in Reading?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 29. One year in ten it arrives before October 13.
How long is the growing season in Reading?
About 197 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Reading?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 21 to May 5. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Pennsylvania
- PottstownApr 20
- PhoenixvilleApr 18
- LebanonApr 20
- LancasterApr 19
- AllentownApr 20
- King of PrussiaApr 8
- NorristownApr 8
- BethlehemApr 20
- HazletonApr 30
- Drexel HillApr 2
- EastonApr 18
- ChesterMar 30