Last frost date in Wilkes-Barre, PA
In Wilkes-Barre, the last spring frost comes around April 23 in an average year. Wait until May 10 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 20, which leaves 178 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 4 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 10
- Average first frost
- Oct 20
- Frost-free season
- 178 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 10
Frost likely Fri night, low 30°F
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2237°
- FriOct 2330°frost
- SatOct 2432°frost
- SunOct 2536°possible frost
- MonOct 2642°
- TueOct 2741°
- WedOct 2842°
Planting calendar for Wilkes-Barre
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Pennsylvania.
TomatoesApr 30–May 14
PumpkinsMay 7–May 21
SunflowersApr 23–May 14
CucumbersMay 7–May 14
CornApr 30–May 14
Sweet potatoesMay 14–May 28
WatermelonMay 7–May 21
Green beansApr 30–May 21
ZucchiniApr 30–May 14
OkraMay 14–May 28
PeppersMay 7–May 21
BasilApr 30–May 14
Butternut squashApr 30–May 14
CantaloupeMay 7–May 21
EggplantMay 7–May 21
PotatoesMar 26–Apr 9
OnionsMar 12–Apr 2
CarrotsApr 2–May 7
LettuceApr 9–Apr 30
BroccoliMar 26–Apr 9
BeetsMar 26–May 7
PeasMar 12–Mar 26
CabbageMar 26–Apr 9
RadishesMar 19–Apr 30
Brussels sproutsApr 9–Apr 23
SpinachMar 12–Apr 2
CilantroApr 9–Apr 30
KaleMar 26–Apr 9
Collard greensMar 26–Apr 9
TurnipsMar 26–Apr 9
DillApr 23–May 7
CeleryApr 30–May 7
CauliflowerApr 9–Apr 23
LeeksApr 9–Apr 23
Swiss chardApr 9–May 7
ParsleyApr 9–Apr 30
Tulip bulbsOct 6–Nov 10
GarlicSep 29–Nov 3
Daffodil bulbsSep 22–Nov 3
StrawberriesMar 26–Apr 9
AsparagusMar 26–Apr 9Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | May 10 | Oct 4 | Oct 20 | Nov 4 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 30 | Apr 10 | Apr 26 | Oct 16 | Nov 3 | Nov 19 |
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 Wilkes-barre International Airport (USW00014777) sits 9.8 miles from the center of Wilkes-Barre at 930 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 Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The average last frost date in Wilkes-Barre is April 23, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 10.
When is the first frost in Wilkes-Barre?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 20. One year in ten it arrives before October 4.
How long is the growing season in Wilkes-Barre?
About 178 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Wilkes-Barre?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 30 to May 14. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Pennsylvania
- ScrantonApr 23
- HazletonApr 30
- AllentownApr 20
- BethlehemApr 20
- EastonApr 18
- WilliamsportApr 25
- ReadingApr 14
- LebanonApr 20
- PottstownApr 20
- PhoenixvilleApr 18
- NorristownApr 8
- King of PrussiaApr 8