Last frost date in State College, PA
Expect the last frost in State College around April 20. Frost after May 6 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 26, which leaves 187 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 10 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 6
- Average first frost
- Oct 26
- Frost-free season
- 187 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 8
Hard freeze likely Fri night, low 28°F
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2237°
- FriOct 2328°hard freeze
- SatOct 2428°hard freeze
- SunOct 2533°possible frost
- MonOct 2640°
- TueOct 2740°
- WedOct 2840°
Planting calendar for State College
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Pennsylvania.
TomatoesApr 27–May 11
PumpkinsMay 4–May 18
SunflowersApr 20–May 11
CucumbersMay 4–May 11
CornApr 27–May 11
Sweet potatoesMay 11–May 25
WatermelonMay 4–May 18
Green beansApr 27–May 18
ZucchiniApr 27–May 11
OkraMay 11–May 25
PeppersMay 4–May 18
BasilApr 27–May 11
Butternut squashApr 27–May 11
CantaloupeMay 4–May 18
EggplantMay 4–May 18
PotatoesMar 23–Apr 6
OnionsMar 9–Mar 30
CarrotsMar 30–May 4
LettuceApr 6–Apr 27
BroccoliMar 23–Apr 6
BeetsMar 23–May 4
PeasMar 9–Mar 23
CabbageMar 23–Apr 6
RadishesMar 16–Apr 27
Brussels sproutsApr 6–Apr 20
SpinachMar 9–Mar 30
CilantroApr 6–Apr 27
KaleMar 23–Apr 6
Collard greensMar 23–Apr 6
TurnipsMar 23–Apr 6
DillApr 20–May 4
CeleryApr 27–May 4
CauliflowerApr 6–Apr 20
LeeksApr 6–Apr 20
Swiss chardApr 6–May 4
ParsleyApr 6–Apr 27
Tulip bulbsOct 12–Nov 16
GarlicOct 5–Nov 9
Daffodil bulbsSep 28–Nov 9
StrawberriesMar 23–Apr 6
AsparagusMar 23–Apr 6Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 7 | Apr 20 | May 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 26 | Nov 9 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 26 | Apr 8 | Apr 23 | Oct 23 | Nov 5 | Nov 20 |
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 State College (USC00368449) sits 0.6 miles from the center of State College at 1,170 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 State College, PA?
The average last frost date in State College is April 20, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 6.
When is the first frost in State College?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 26. One year in ten it arrives before October 10.
How long is the growing season in State College?
About 187 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in State College?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 27 to May 11. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Pennsylvania
- AltoonaApr 25
- WilliamsportApr 25
- CarlisleApr 23
- ChambersburgApr 18
- HarrisburgApr 15
- LebanonApr 20
- YorkApr 26
- LancasterApr 19
- MurrysvilleApr 22
- HazletonApr 30
- PlumApr 16
- MonroevilleApr 22