Planting too early risks a killing frost. Planting too late shortens your growing season. Our frost date calculator counts down to your key dates so you can time everything perfectly.
Select your USDA hardiness zone and get an instant countdown to your last spring frost and first fall frost. The dashboard also shows your total growing season length and suggests when to start seeds indoors, transplant outdoors, and begin fall planting.
Frost date averages are based on 30-year climate normals from NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the last frost date for my area?
Last frost dates vary by USDA zone: Zone 5 averages mid-May, Zone 6 mid-April, Zone 7 mid-March, Zone 8 mid-February, Zone 9 late January. Our calculator gives you the specific date range for your zone.
How many days before last frost should I start seeds indoors?
Most vegetables should be started 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Peppers and tomatoes need 8-10 weeks. Check the seed packet for specific timing relative to your last frost.
What is a frost-free growing season?
The frost-free growing season is the number of days between your last spring frost and first fall frost. Zone 5 averages about 140 days, Zone 7 about 200 days, and Zone 9 about 280 days.