In Burlington, VT, the average last spring frost is Apr 29 and the average first fall frost is Oct 15, which leaves about 169 frost-free days for the garden. These dates come from NOAA climate normals for the Burlington International Airport, VT weather station, at 330 feet above sea level.
A moderate season leaves room for most vegetables. Start warm-season crops indoors for a head start, plant cool-season crops early and again in late summer, and keep row cover ready for surprise frosts. Frost timing varies from year to year: in about 1 spring in 10 the last frost falls as late as May 11, and in about 1 fall in 10 the first frost arrives as early as Oct 2.
Frost dates for Burlington, VT
| Chance of a freeze (32°F) after or before this date | Last spring frost | First fall frost | Freeze-free season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimistic (about 1 year in 10) | Apr 17 | Nov 1 | 198 days |
| Average (half of years) | Apr 29 | Oct 15 | 169 days |
| Cautious (9 years in 10 are safe) | May 11 | Oct 2 | 144 days |
Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991 to 2020. Use the cautious dates for tender crops such as tomatoes and peppers.
When to plant in Burlington, VT
These windows count weeks forward and back from the average frost dates above. They are planning guides: check the forecast before planting tender crops, and see our what to plant now tool for today's date.
| Crop | Start seeds indoors | Plant outdoors in spring | Plant in fall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Mar 4 to Mar 18 | May 6 to May 13 | – |
| Peppers | Feb 18 to Mar 4 | May 13 to May 20 | – |
| Eggplant | Feb 18 to Mar 4 | May 13 to May 20 | – |
| Onions | Feb 18 to Mar 4 | Apr 1 to Apr 15 | – |
| Parsley | Feb 18 to Mar 4 | Apr 29 to May 6 | – |
| Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower | Mar 4 to Mar 18 | Apr 15 to Apr 22 | Jul 23 to Aug 20 |
| Basil | Mar 18 to Mar 18 | May 6 to May 13 | – |
| Peas | Sow outdoors | Mar 18 to Apr 1 | Jul 23 to Aug 20 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors | Mar 18 to Apr 1 | Aug 20 to Sep 17 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors | Mar 18 to Apr 1 | Aug 20 to Sep 17 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors | Apr 1 to Apr 15 | Aug 20 to Sep 17 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors | Apr 1 to Apr 15 | Jul 23 to Aug 20 |
| Beets | Sow outdoors | Apr 1 to Apr 15 | Jul 23 to Aug 20 |
| Potatoes | Sow outdoors | Apr 1 to Apr 15 | – |
| Kale | Sow outdoors | Apr 1 to Apr 15 | Jul 23 to Aug 20 |
| Swiss chard | Sow outdoors | Apr 15 to Apr 29 | – |
| Cilantro | Sow outdoors | Apr 15 to Apr 29 | Aug 20 to Sep 17 |
| Dill | Sow outdoors | Apr 29 to May 6 | – |
| Bush beans | Sow outdoors | May 6 to May 13 | Jul 12 to Jul 26 |
| Pole beans | Sow outdoors | May 6 to May 13 | – |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors | May 6 to May 13 | – |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors | May 6 to May 13 | Jul 2 to Jul 16 |
| Zucchini and summer squash | Sow outdoors | May 6 to May 13 | Jul 12 to Jul 26 |
| Winter squash | Sow outdoors | May 6 to May 13 | – |
| Sweet potatoes (slips) | Sow outdoors | May 13 to May 27 | – |
| Okra | Sow outdoors | May 13 to May 27 | – |
A dash in the fall column means the crop is not usually planted in fall, or the season is too short.
Overnight lows this week
The National Weather Service forecast shows frost risk on: Sun 15 night (32°F), Sun 15 night (32°F), Mon 16 night (26°F), Tue 17 night (32°F), Wed 18 night (33°F). Cover tender plants before dark on those nights.
| Night | Forecast low | Frost risk |
|---|---|---|
| Sun 15 night | 32°F | Freeze |
| Sun 15 night | 32°F | Freeze |
| Mon 16 night | 26°F | Freeze |
| Tue 17 night | 32°F | Freeze |
| Wed 18 night | 33°F | Frost possible |
| Thu 19 night | 39°F | No frost expected |
| Fri 20 night | 38°F | No frost expected |
Live forecast for the station location, from the National Weather Service. For your own ZIP code, use our garden weather forecast.
More garden tools for Burlington, VT
- Frost dates by ZIP code for your exact location
- What to plant now, based on today's date
- Garden weather forecast by ZIP code
- Safe transplant date calculator
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Burlington, VT?
The average last spring frost is Apr 29. A late frost as far out as May 11 happens in about 1 year in 10, so tender plants such as tomatoes and peppers are safest after that cautious date.
When is the first frost in Burlington, VT?
The average first fall frost is Oct 15. It can arrive as early as Oct 2 in about 1 year in 10, so plan to harvest tender crops before then.
How long is the growing season in Burlington, VT?
The average freeze-free season is about 169 days, between the average last spring frost and the average first fall frost.
Where do these dates come from?
They come from the NOAA 1991 to 2020 U.S. Climate Normals for the Burlington International Airport, VT station. Hills, valleys, lakes and city heat can shift frost by a week or more, so compare with neighbors who garden near you.