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Rhode Island frost dates
Across the 5Rhode Island weather stations below, the average last spring frost ranges from Apr 11 in Newport to May 1 in Kingston 1 W. The statewide middle is about Apr 11 for the last spring frost and Oct 30 for the first fall frost. Newport has the longest growing season, about 207 days. Hardiness zones in these places: 6b, 7a.
Frost dates by city
| Place | Zone | Last spring frost | 90% safe after | First fall frost | Frost-free days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newport | 7a | Apr 11 | Apr 24 | Nov 4 | 207 |
| Providence T F Green | 7a | Apr 11 | Apr 23 | Oct 30 | 202 |
| Westerly | 7a | Apr 11 | Apr 26 | Oct 31 | 203 |
| Kingston 1 Nw | 6b | Apr 27 | May 11 | Oct 15 | 171 |
| Kingston 1 W | 6b | May 1 | May 18 | Oct 12 | 164 |
Dates are the 50% probability of a 32°F freeze (NOAA 1991–2020 normals); "90% safe after" is the date after which a later spring freeze happens in only 1 year in 10.
When to plant in Rhode Island
Using the statewide middle dates (last frost Apr 11, first frost Oct 30). Adjust for your town with the table above or the planting calendar.
| Plant | When to plant in Rhode Island |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Peas | Feb 28 – Mar 21; fall: Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Potatoes | Mar 14 – Apr 4 |
| Green beans | Apr 18 – May 2; fall: Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Garlic | Oct 30 – Nov 27 |
| Tulips | Oct 16 – Nov 27 |