Frost dates for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
In a typical year, Philadelphia’s last spring frost lands around Mar 30 and the first fall frost around Nov 17, a growing season of about 232 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 7b.
Right now the growing season is open, with about 23 days until the typical first fall frost.
| Odds | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | Mar 15 | Nov 4 |
| 50 percent | Mar 30 | Nov 17 |
| 90 percent | Apr 12 | Dec 4 |
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 Philadelphia is typically around 58°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.
Plantable now in Philadelphia
- Radish (Cherry Belle)
Timing comes from the same temperature engine the app uses, run against Philadelphia’s normals for today.
Common questions
When is the last frost in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?
Philadelphia’s last spring frost falls around March 30 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by March 15, and one year in ten frost holds on until April 12. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.
When is the first fall frost in Philadelphia?
The first fall frost arrives around November 17 in a typical year, as early as November 4 in an early year and as late as December 4 in a late one.
How long is the growing season in Philadelphia?
About 232 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.
What USDA zone is Philadelphia in?
Philadelphia is in USDA hardiness zone 7b 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
- Camden, NJ (around Mar 30 to Nov 17)
- Wilmington, DE (around Apr 7 to Nov 4)
- Newark, DE (around Apr 7 to Nov 1)
- Allentown, PA (around Apr 20 to Oct 24)
- Middletown, DE (around Apr 7 to Nov 2)
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