Frost Dates for Erie, PA 16509

Last spring frost April 29 · First fall frost October 28 · 182 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6b

Frost probability for 16509

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)May 16April 29April 13
Fall (first frost)October 14October 28November 11

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (11.6 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Erie, PA

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
16509April 29October 286b
16510April 29October 286b
16506April 29October 286b
16502April 29October 286b
16504April 29October 286b
16503April 29October 286b
16505April 29October 287a
16508April 29October 286b
16511April 29October 287a
16507April 29October 287a
16501April 29October 287a
16563April 29October 286b
16546April 29October 286b
16550April 29October 287a

Month by month in Erie

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryPlan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates.
FebruaryStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around April 29). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost.
MarchStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
AprilLast frost around April 29. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
MayFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
JuneSuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
JulyHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
AugustMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
SeptemberFirst fall frost approaching (around October 28). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
OctoberFirst frost around October 28. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
NovemberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.
DecemberClean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden.

What grows in a 182-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Erie, PA (ZIP 16509)?

The median last spring frost date for Erie, PA (ZIP code 16509) is around April 29. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.

What is the first fall frost date in Erie, PA?

The median first fall frost date for Erie, PA is around October 28. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.

How long is the growing season in Erie, PA?

The frost-free growing season in Erie is about 182 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side.

What USDA hardiness zone is Erie, PA?

Based on frost date patterns, Erie falls approximately in 6b. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.

When should I start tomatoes indoors in Erie, PA?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around April 29). For Erie, that's roughly March 4 to March 18. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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