Last frost date in York, PA
In York, the last spring frost comes around April 26 in an average year. Wait until May 13 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 19, which leaves 177 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 5 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 13
- Average first frost
- Oct 19
- Frost-free season
- 177 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 8
Frost possible in low spots Fri night, low 33°F
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2241°
- FriOct 2333°possible frost
- SatOct 2435°possible frost
- SunOct 2538°
- MonOct 2644°
- TueOct 2745°
- WedOct 2845°
Planting calendar for York
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Pennsylvania.
TomatoesMay 3–May 17
PumpkinsMay 10–May 24
SunflowersApr 26–May 17
CucumbersMay 10–May 17
CornMay 3–May 17
Sweet potatoesMay 17–May 31
WatermelonMay 10–May 24
Green beansMay 3–May 24
ZucchiniMay 3–May 17
OkraMay 17–May 31
PeppersMay 10–May 24
BasilMay 3–May 17
Butternut squashMay 3–May 17
CantaloupeMay 10–May 24
EggplantMay 10–May 24
PotatoesMar 29–Apr 12
OnionsMar 15–Apr 5
CarrotsApr 5–May 10
LettuceApr 12–May 3
BroccoliMar 29–Apr 12
BeetsMar 29–May 10
PeasMar 15–Mar 29
CabbageMar 29–Apr 12
RadishesMar 22–May 3
Brussels sproutsApr 12–Apr 26
SpinachMar 15–Apr 5
CilantroApr 12–May 3
KaleMar 29–Apr 12
Collard greensMar 29–Apr 12
TurnipsMar 29–Apr 12
DillApr 26–May 10
CeleryMay 3–May 10
CauliflowerApr 12–Apr 26
LeeksApr 12–Apr 26
Swiss chardApr 12–May 10
ParsleyApr 12–May 3
Tulip bulbsOct 5–Nov 9
GarlicSep 28–Nov 2
Daffodil bulbsSep 21–Nov 2
StrawberriesMar 29–Apr 12
AsparagusMar 29–Apr 12Frost 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 26 | May 13 | Oct 5 | Oct 19 | Nov 1 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 24 | Apr 8 | Apr 26 | Oct 15 | Oct 31 | Nov 13 |
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 York 3 SSW Pump Station (USC00369933) sits 3.5 miles from the center of York at 390 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 York, PA?
The average last frost date in York is April 26, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 13.
When is the first frost in York?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 19. One year in ten it arrives before October 5.
How long is the growing season in York?
About 177 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in York?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 3 to May 17. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Pennsylvania
- HarrisburgApr 15
- LancasterApr 19
- CarlisleApr 23
- LebanonApr 20
- ChambersburgApr 18
- ReadingApr 14
- PottstownApr 20
- PhoenixvilleApr 18
- King of PrussiaApr 8
- ChesterMar 30
- NorristownApr 8
- Drexel HillApr 2