Rhode Island Frost Dates
Across Rhode Island's 8 cities and towns, the average last spring frost runs from April 7 in Newport to April 22 in Woonsocket. Average last frost elsewhere: Providence Apr 11.
Frost dates for every city and town in Rhode Island
Dates are for 32°F at the NOAA station nearest the ZIP code at each Rhode Island town's center. "Safer date" is when only 1 year in 10 still gets a frost, a good target for tomatoes and peppers.
| City | Average last frost | Safer date | Average first frost | Frost-free days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Falls | Apr 22 | May 6 | Oct 19 | 180 |
| Cranston | Apr 11 | Apr 23 | Oct 30 | 202 |
| East Providence | Apr 11 | Apr 23 | Oct 30 | 202 |
| Newport | Apr 7 | Apr 21 | Nov 13 | 220 |
| Pawtucket | Apr 22 | May 6 | Oct 19 | 180 |
| Providence | Apr 11 | Apr 23 | Oct 30 | 202 |
| Warwick | Apr 11 | Apr 23 | Oct 30 | 202 |
| Woonsocket | Apr 22 | May 6 | Oct 19 | 180 |
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020. City centers from the US Census Bureau. Click a city for its nearest station and, where it has frost dates, hard-freeze dates and a vegetable planting calendar. See how we calculate.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Providence, RI?
The average last spring frost in Providence is April 11, and only 1 year in 10 has a frost after April 23. The average first fall frost is October 30. These come from NOAA's 1991–2020 records at the Providence T F Green AP station.
When should I plant tomatoes in Rhode Island?
UNH Extension times tomato transplants for 1 to 2 weeks after the average last frost. In Providence that's about Apr 18 to Apr 25. Look up your ZIP code for your own dates and a full vegetable planting calendar.
More for Rhode Island: Rhode Island climate zones (insulation) · Rhode Island planting zones · Frost line depth by state