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Frost dates for Dover, New Hampshire

In a typical year, Dover’s last spring frost lands around May 3 and the first fall frost around Oct 10, a growing season of about 160 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 6a.

Right now the typical frost season has arrived; planting waits for spring.

Last spring frost and first fall frost odds for Dover, New Hampshire
OddsLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10 percentApr 23Sep 27
50 percentMay 3Oct 10
90 percentMay 16Oct 25

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 Dover is typically around 48°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.

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Common questions

When is the last frost in Dover, New Hampshire?

Dover’s last spring frost falls around May 3 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by April 23, and one year in ten frost holds on until May 16. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.

When is the first fall frost in Dover?

The first fall frost arrives around October 10 in a typical year, as early as September 27 in an early year and as late as October 25 in a late one.

How long is the growing season in Dover?

About 160 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.

What USDA zone is Dover in?

Dover is in USDA hardiness zone 6a 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

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