Frost dates for New Bedford, Massachusetts
In a typical year, New Bedford’s last spring frost lands around Apr 29 and the first fall frost around Oct 15, a growing season of about 169 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 7a.
Right now the typical frost season has arrived; planting waits for spring.
| Odds | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | Apr 17 | Oct 2 |
| 50 percent | Apr 29 | Oct 15 |
| 90 percent | May 15 | Oct 31 |
A 10 percent year is an early year, a 90 percent year a late one. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the 90 percent side of the last-frost band.
Soil in New Bedford is typically around 51°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.
Plantable now in New Bedford
- Garlic (Music)
Timing comes from the same temperature engine the app uses, run against New Bedford’s normals for today.
Common questions
When is the last frost in New Bedford, Massachusetts?
New Bedford’s last spring frost falls around April 29 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by April 17, and one year in ten frost holds on until May 15. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.
When is the first fall frost in New Bedford?
The first fall frost arrives around October 15 in a typical year, as early as October 2 in an early year and as late as October 31 in a late one.
How long is the growing season in New Bedford?
About 169 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.
What USDA zone is New Bedford in?
New Bedford is in USDA hardiness zone 7a under the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Dates come from 30-year NOAA climate normals for the nearest reporting station. They describe odds, not a forecast.
Nearby cities
- Warwick, RI (around Apr 11 to Oct 30)
- Pawtucket, RI (around Apr 11 to Oct 30)
- Providence, RI (around Apr 11 to Oct 30)
- Cranston, RI (around Apr 11 to Oct 30)
- Boston, MA (around Apr 4 to Nov 9)
Row & Bed is a plant reference built around your garden: your zone, your frost dates, your forecast, and a cited page for every variety in your beds.
Set up your garden