Frost Dates for Syracuse, NY 13208

Last spring frost May 18 · First fall frost October 1 · 136 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6a

Frost probability for 13208

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)June 3May 18May 2
Fall (first frost)September 16October 1October 15

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (35.8 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Syracuse, NY

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
13208May 18October 16a
13212May 18October 16a
13210May 18October 16a
13204May 10October 76a
13205May 1October 116a
13206May 18October 16a
13203May 18October 16a
13215May 10October 76a
13219May 10October 76a
13209May 10October 76a
13207May 10October 76a
13244May 18October 16a
13214May 18October 16a
13224May 18October 16a
13202May 10October 76a
13211May 18October 16a
13290May 10October 76a

Month by month in Syracuse

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryPlan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates.
FebruaryStart the slowest-growing crops indoors: onions, leeks, and celery (10–12 weeks before last frost).
MarchStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around May 18). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost.
AprilStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
MayLast frost around May 18. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
JuneFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
JulySuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
AugustHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
SeptemberFirst fall frost approaching (around October 1). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
OctoberFirst frost around October 1. 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 136-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Syracuse, NY (ZIP 13208)?

The median last spring frost date for Syracuse, NY (ZIP code 13208) is around May 18. 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 Syracuse, NY?

The median first fall frost date for Syracuse, NY is around October 1. 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 Syracuse, NY?

The frost-free growing season in Syracuse is about 136 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 Syracuse, NY?

Based on frost date patterns, Syracuse falls approximately in 6a. 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 Syracuse, NY?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around May 18). For Syracuse, that's roughly March 23 to April 6. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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