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🍂 First Frost Dates for Salem, Massachusetts 01970

The first 36°F frost date is 30% likely to be on Oct 8. (See detailed probabilities below.)

The first 32°F light freeze date is 30% likely to be on Oct 22. (See detailed probabilities below.)

(See also 🌷 Last Spring Frost Dates.)

First frost date probabilities for Salem, MA are based on historical climate data.

Always check your local forecast for the most up-to-date frost warnings.

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What is a First Frost Date?

The first fall frost signals the end of your local growing season. This date serves as an important deadline for gardeners and farmers. You'll need to complete harvesting before this point. Annuals and other tender plants will die back when frost hits, and perennial plants will enter their dormant phase for winter. Meanwhile, it's time to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and a cozy sweater—and start planning your spring garden!

How to use the First Frost Date?

Watch your local weather forecasts in early fall to predict the first frost date. Harvest tender crops and protect vulnerable plants before frost arrives. For late-summer plantings, count backward from your area's average first frost date. This ensures your crops have enough time to mature. Keep track of when frost actually occurs in your garden each year. This helps you identify protected spots where the growing season might last longer.

First Frost Date Probabilities

Probability of frost (36°F) on or before...
10% chanceOct 1
20% chanceOct 5
30% chanceOct 8
40% chanceOct 11
50% chanceOct 13
60% chanceOct 16
70% chanceOct 19
80% chanceOct 22
90% chanceOct 27
Probability of light freeze (32°F) on or before...
10% chanceOct 13
20% chanceOct 18
30% chanceOct 22
40% chanceOct 25
50% chanceOct 28
60% chanceOct 31
70% chanceNov 2
80% chanceNov 5
90% chanceNov 10
Probability of moderate freeze (28°F) on or before...
10% chanceOct 28
20% chanceNov 1
30% chanceNov 4
40% chanceNov 7
50% chanceNov 10
60% chanceNov 13
70% chanceNov 16
80% chanceNov 19
90% chanceNov 25
Probability of moderate hard freeze (24°F) on or before...
10% chanceNov 8
20% chanceNov 13
30% chanceNov 17
40% chanceNov 20
50% chanceNov 23
60% chanceNov 25
70% chanceNov 28
80% chanceDec 2
90% chanceDec 7
Probability of hard freeze (20°F) on or before...
10% chanceNov 20
20% chanceNov 25
30% chanceNov 28
40% chanceDec 1
50% chanceDec 3
60% chanceDec 6
70% chanceDec 10
80% chanceDec 14
90% chanceDec 19
Probability of severe hard freeze (16°F) on or before...
10% chanceNov 30
20% chanceDec 3
30% chanceDec 7
40% chanceDec 10
50% chanceDec 14
60% chanceDec 17
70% chanceDec 21
80% chanceDec 25
90% chanceDec 30

Agricultural climatic data from weather station: MARBLEHEAD (USC00194502)

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