When to plant in Riverhead, NY
USDA Zone 7aHere are the average frost dates, USDA hardiness zone, and a month-by-month planting calendar for Riverhead, New York — all computed from Riverhead's nearest NOAA weather station.
Zone 7a means many perennials and even some tender shrubs overwinter in Riverhead, while your frost dates still decide when annuals go out.
Frost probability
RIVERHEAD RSCH FARM · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Riverhead’s own odds, recorded at RIVERHEAD RSCH FARM.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 3 | Apr 20 | Apr 7 | Oct 15 | Oct 28 | Nov 10 |
| 32°F | Apr 19 | Apr 6 | Mar 27 | Oct 28 | Nov 9 | Nov 22 |
| 28°F | Apr 7 | Mar 28 | Mar 12 | Nov 7 | Nov 21 | Dec 5 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Riverhead, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 13 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Riverhead planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Riverhead, NY?
Riverhead's average last spring frost falls near April 6 — the 50% mark at 32°F in the 1991–2020 normals. Hold tender transplants until the risk has passed, then plant out.
When is the first fall frost in Riverhead, NY?
In Riverhead, the first 32°F freeze of fall lands around November 9 on average. Time your last harvests and any season-extension cover before it.
What hardiness zone is Riverhead in?
Riverhead is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. In zone 7a, winters are moderate — most common vegetables grow well in season.
How long is the growing season in Riverhead?
There are roughly 217 frost-free days in Riverhead (a long growing season), running from the average last frost around April 6 to the first fall frost near November 9.
When should I plant tomatoes in Riverhead?
In Riverhead, start tomato seeds indoors around February 9–February 23, then transplant seedlings outdoors around April 13 once the danger of frost has passed.
Never miss a window in Riverhead
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Riverhead’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Manorville · 14 km
- Hampton Bays · 16 km
- Ridge · 18 km
- Mastic · 21 km
- Rocky Point · 22 km
- Middle Island · 24 km
- Shirley · 24 km
- Mastic Beach · 25 km
Frost dates recorded at RIVERHEAD RSCH FARM, 4 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Riverhead, NY — Frost Dates & Zone 7a." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USC00307134. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/new-york/riverhead.