Your frost dates decide almost everything in the vegetable garden: when to start seeds, when tomatoes can go out, and when to plant garlic and tulip bulbs. Pick your country and your USDA zone or nearest area below to see your average dates.
Frost Date Finder
Pick your country and zone or area to see your average last spring frost, first fall frost and growing season.
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What frost dates mean
- Last spring frost: the average date of the final frost of spring. Half of all years have a frost after this date, so tender plants such as tomatoes, peppers and basil are safest 1 to 2 weeks later.
- First fall frost: the average date of the first autumn frost. Harvest warm-season crops and bring tender potted plants inside before it.
- Growing season: the frost-free days in between. Compare it with the “days to maturity” on a seed packet before you buy.
Frost forms on clear, still nights when the air drops to about 32°F (0°C), and low spots in a garden can be colder than the forecast. Keep frost cloth or an old sheet handy for the first and last few weeks of the season.
Next step: use the Planting Calendar to see exactly what to sow this month, or read when to bring plants indoors for winter.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate are average frost dates?
They are long-term averages, so treat them as a guide. In any year the real frost can come up to two weeks earlier or later. Always check your local 10-day forecast before planting out tender plants.
Is my frost date the same as my hardiness zone?
Not exactly. USDA zones are based on the coldest winter temperature, while frost dates track the start and end of the frost-free season. Gardens in the same zone can have different frost dates, so we show typical dates for each zone.
When does frost happen in Australia?
The seasons are flipped. The last frost comes in late winter or spring (around August to October) and the first frost in autumn (around April to June). Most coastal areas of Sydney, Perth and Brisbane rarely or never get frost.