Practical planning tools for short growing seasons.

City comparison

Short Growing Seasons With Surprisingly High Heat

Short frost-free seasons are not all equal. Some places have tight frost windows but accumulate strong summer heat inside that window. This ranking highlights cities where the calendar is short, but the warm-season heat signal is better than expected.

Strongest short/warm signal Saranac Lake 99 days · 2316 base 50°F GDD
Cities ranked 89 Shorter-season cities with higher relative GDD
Best used for Timing strategy Fast varieties, prompt transplanting, and warm microclimates

The ranking

These cities have 180 or fewer frost-free days, but their base 50°F GDD percentile is noticeably higher than their frost-free-days percentile. They still require short-season discipline, but the heat available inside the window can be better than the calendar suggests.

Rank City Frost-free days Base 50°F GDD Heat vs season gap Interpretation
#1 Saranac Lake
New York, United States 		99
June 2 to September 9 		2316 -66
heat percentile above season percentile 		Saranac Lake has a short frost-free window compared with its heat accumulation, so timing is tight but summer heat can be surprisingly useful.
#2 Kapuskasing
Ontario, Canada 		105
June 4 to September 17 		2285 -62
heat percentile above season percentile 		Kapuskasing has a short frost-free window compared with its heat accumulation, so timing is tight but summer heat can be surprisingly useful.
#3 Corner Brook
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 		102
June 10 to September 20 		2260 -61
heat percentile above season percentile 		Corner Brook has a short frost-free window compared with its heat accumulation, so timing is tight but summer heat can be surprisingly useful.
#4 Sioux Lookout
Ontario, Canada 		134
May 17 to September 28 		2999 -59
heat percentile above season percentile 		Sioux Lookout has a short frost-free window compared with its heat accumulation, so timing is tight but summer heat can be surprisingly useful.
#5 Thunder Bay
Ontario, Canada 		108
May 31 to September 16 		2260 -58
heat percentile above season percentile 		Thunder Bay has a short frost-free window compared with its heat accumulation, so timing is tight but summer heat can be surprisingly useful.
#6 Ashland
Oregon, United States 		108
June 8 to September 24 		2177 -54
heat percentile above season percentile 		Ashland has a short frost-free window compared with its heat accumulation, so timing is tight but summer heat can be surprisingly useful.
#7 Baie-Comeau
Quebec, Canada 		115
May 29 to September 21 		2207 -52
heat percentile above season percentile 		Baie-Comeau has a short frost-free window compared with its heat accumulation, so timing is tight but summer heat can be surprisingly useful.
#8 Dryden
Ontario, Canada 		134
May 17 to September 28 		2561 -51
heat percentile above season percentile 		Dryden has a short frost-free window compared with its heat accumulation, so timing is tight but summer heat can be surprisingly useful.
#9 Sault Ste. Marie
Ontario, Canada 		124
May 28 to September 29 		2372 -50
heat percentile above season percentile 		Sault Ste. Marie has a short frost-free window compared with its heat accumulation, so timing is tight but summer heat can be surprisingly useful.
#10 Chapleau
Ontario, Canada 		112
May 29 to September 18 		2134 -50
heat percentile above season percentile 		Chapleau has a short frost-free window compared with its heat accumulation, so timing is tight but summer heat can be surprisingly useful.
#11 Boise
Idaho, United States 		148
May 17 to October 12 		3131 -45
heat percentile above season percentile 		Boise has a short frost-free window compared with its heat accumulation, so timing is tight but summer heat can be surprisingly useful.
#12 Amos
Quebec, Canada 		108
May 31 to September 16 		1952 -43
heat percentile above season percentile 		Amos gives gardeners fewer frost-free days than many locations, but the available heat ranks much better than the calendar window.
#13 Cochrane
Ontario, Canada 		105
June 4 to September 17 		1925 -42
heat percentile above season percentile 		Cochrane gives gardeners fewer frost-free days than many locations, but the available heat ranks much better than the calendar window.
#14 Moosonee
Ontario, Canada 		105
June 4 to September 17 		1925 -42
heat percentile above season percentile 		Moosonee gives gardeners fewer frost-free days than many locations, but the available heat ranks much better than the calendar window.
#15 Scottsbluff
Nebraska, United States 		142
May 13 to October 2 		2559 -39
heat percentile above season percentile 		Scottsbluff gives gardeners fewer frost-free days than many locations, but the available heat ranks much better than the calendar window.
#16 Idaho Falls
Idaho, United States 		120
May 23 to September 20 		2001 -38
heat percentile above season percentile 		Idaho Falls gives gardeners fewer frost-free days than many locations, but the available heat ranks much better than the calendar window.
#17 Casper
Wyoming, United States 		119
May 26 to September 22 		1970 -38
heat percentile above season percentile 		Casper gives gardeners fewer frost-free days than many locations, but the available heat ranks much better than the calendar window.
#18 Yakima
Washington, United States 		152
May 5 to October 4 		2933 -36
heat percentile above season percentile 		Yakima gives gardeners fewer frost-free days than many locations, but the available heat ranks much better than the calendar window.
#19 Pocatello
Idaho, United States 		139
May 16 to October 2 		2382 -35
heat percentile above season percentile 		Pocatello gives gardeners fewer frost-free days than many locations, but the available heat ranks much better than the calendar window.
#20 Sidney
Montana, United States 		139
May 11 to September 27 		2354 -33
heat percentile above season percentile 		Sidney gives gardeners fewer frost-free days than many locations, but the available heat ranks much better than the calendar window.
#21 Gillette
Wyoming, United States 		125
May 21 to September 23 		2021 -33
heat percentile above season percentile 		Gillette gives gardeners fewer frost-free days than many locations, but the available heat ranks much better than the calendar window.
#22 Fort McMurray
Alberta, Canada 		101
May 29 to September 7 		1666 -33
heat percentile above season percentile 		Fort McMurray gives gardeners fewer frost-free days than many locations, but the available heat ranks much better than the calendar window.
#23 Greeley
Colorado, United States 		159
May 2 to October 8 		2981 -31
heat percentile above season percentile 		Greeley gives gardeners fewer frost-free days than many locations, but the available heat ranks much better than the calendar window.
#24 Decorah
Iowa, United States 		157
May 3 to October 7 		2876 -31
heat percentile above season percentile 		Decorah gives gardeners fewer frost-free days than many locations, but the available heat ranks much better than the calendar window.
#25 Elliot Lake
Ontario, Canada 		136
May 18 to October 1 		2167 -30
heat percentile above season percentile 		Elliot Lake gives gardeners fewer frost-free days than many locations, but the available heat ranks much better than the calendar window.
#26 Mackenzie
British Columbia, Canada 		114
May 26 to September 17 		1742 -30
heat percentile above season percentile 		Mackenzie gives gardeners fewer frost-free days than many locations, but the available heat ranks much better than the calendar window.
#27 Smithers
British Columbia, Canada 		114
May 26 to September 17 		1742 -30
heat percentile above season percentile 		Smithers gives gardeners fewer frost-free days than many locations, but the available heat ranks much better than the calendar window.
#28 Iron River
Michigan, United States 		98
June 4 to September 10 		1560 -30
heat percentile above season percentile 		Iron River gives gardeners fewer frost-free days than many locations, but the available heat ranks much better than the calendar window.
#29 Norfolk
Nebraska, United States 		156
May 1 to October 4 		2739 -29
heat percentile above season percentile 		Norfolk is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#30 Matagami
Quebec, Canada 		104
June 18 to September 30 		1601 -29
heat percentile above season percentile 		Matagami is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#31 Whitehorse
Yukon, Canada 		86
June 3 to August 28 		1474 -29
heat percentile above season percentile 		Whitehorse is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#32 Sioux Falls
South Dakota, United States 		158
May 1 to October 6 		2793 -28
heat percentile above season percentile 		Sioux Falls is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#33 Longmont
Colorado, United States 		151
May 7 to October 5 		2530 -28
heat percentile above season percentile 		Longmont is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#34 Sheridan
Wyoming, United States 		129
May 18 to September 24 		1953 -27
heat percentile above season percentile 		Sheridan is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#35 Sterling
Colorado, United States 		162
April 30 to October 9 		3027 -26
heat percentile above season percentile 		Sterling is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#36 Boulder
Colorado, United States 		152
May 6 to October 5 		2540 -26
heat percentile above season percentile 		Boulder is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#37 Riverton
Wyoming, United States 		135
May 12 to September 24 		2057 -26
heat percentile above season percentile 		Riverton is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#38 Bend
Oregon, United States 		106
June 6 to September 20 		1560 -26
heat percentile above season percentile 		Bend is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#39 Sioux City
Iowa, United States 		161
April 29 to October 7 		2840 -25
heat percentile above season percentile 		Sioux City is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#40 Springfield
Massachusetts, United States 		158
May 3 to October 8 		2638 -25
heat percentile above season percentile 		Springfield is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#41 Valley City
North Dakota, United States 		136
May 13 to September 26 		2077 -25
heat percentile above season percentile 		Valley City is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#42 Littleton
New Hampshire, United States 		117
May 24 to September 18 		1694 -25
heat percentile above season percentile 		Littleton is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#43 North Platte
Nebraska, United States 		160
May 3 to October 10 		2681 -24
heat percentile above season percentile 		North Platte is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#44 Fort Collins
Colorado, United States 		156
May 3 to October 6 		2548 -24
heat percentile above season percentile 		Fort Collins is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#45 Twin Falls
Idaho, United States 		148
May 9 to October 4 		2352 -24
heat percentile above season percentile 		Twin Falls is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#46 Fargo
North Dakota, United States 		143
May 10 to September 30 		2247 -24
heat percentile above season percentile 		Fargo is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#47 Rexburg
Idaho, United States 		135
May 12 to September 24 		2001 -24
heat percentile above season percentile 		Rexburg is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#48 Peterborough
Ontario, Canada 		131
May 16 to September 24 		1946 -24
heat percentile above season percentile 		Peterborough is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#49 Houlton
Maine, United States 		127
May 19 to September 23 		1918 -24
heat percentile above season percentile 		Houlton is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#50 Laramie
Wyoming, United States 		105
June 2 to September 15 		1489 -24
heat percentile above season percentile 		Laramie is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#51 Kalispell
Montana, United States 		102
May 31 to September 10 		1465 -24
heat percentile above season percentile 		Kalispell is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#52 Denver
Colorado, United States 		165
April 30 to October 12 		3106 -23
heat percentile above season percentile 		Denver is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#53 Drummondville
Quebec, Canada 		138
May 12 to September 27 		2091 -23
heat percentile above season percentile 		Drummondville is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#54 New Glasgow
Nova Scotia, Canada 		104
June 10 to September 22 		1448 -23
heat percentile above season percentile 		New Glasgow is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#55 Kearney
Nebraska, United States 		163
April 30 to October 10 		2904 -22
heat percentile above season percentile 		Kearney is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#56 Grand Rapids
Michigan, United States 		157
May 6 to October 10 		2540 -22
heat percentile above season percentile 		Grand Rapids is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#57 Owatonna
Minnesota, United States 		154
May 5 to October 6 		2448 -22
heat percentile above season percentile 		Owatonna is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#58 Aberdeen
South Dakota, United States 		144
May 8 to September 29 		2236 -22
heat percentile above season percentile 		Aberdeen is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#59 Williston
North Dakota, United States 		136
May 13 to September 26 		1990 -22
heat percentile above season percentile 		Williston is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#60 Roseau
Minnesota, United States 		131
May 16 to September 24 		1936 -22
heat percentile above season percentile 		Roseau is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#61 Warroad
Minnesota, United States 		131
May 16 to September 24 		1936 -22
heat percentile above season percentile 		Warroad is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#62 Dickinson
North Dakota, United States 		125
May 20 to September 22 		1840 -22
heat percentile above season percentile 		Dickinson is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#63 Swan River
Manitoba, Canada 		102
June 3 to September 13 		1411 -22
heat percentile above season percentile 		Swan River is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#64 Fort Vermilion
Alberta, Canada 		99
May 30 to September 6 		1392 -22
heat percentile above season percentile 		Fort Vermilion is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#65 High Level
Alberta, Canada 		99
May 30 to September 6 		1392 -22
heat percentile above season percentile 		High Level is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#66 Hays
Kansas, United States 		173
April 25 to October 15 		3900 -21
heat percentile above season percentile 		Hays is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#67 Loveland
Colorado, United States 		142
May 12 to October 1 		2141 -21
heat percentile above season percentile 		Loveland is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#68 Sudbury
Ontario, Canada 		136
May 18 to October 1 		1973 -21
heat percentile above season percentile 		Sudbury is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#69 Hayward
Wisconsin, United States 		122
May 23 to September 22 		1726 -21
heat percentile above season percentile 		Hayward is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#70 Lincoln
Nebraska, United States 		172
April 24 to October 13 		3499 -20
heat percentile above season percentile 		Lincoln is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#71 Pueblo
Colorado, United States 		170
April 26 to October 13 		3257 -20
heat percentile above season percentile 		Pueblo is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#72 Waterloo
Iowa, United States 		166
April 27 to October 10 		2999 -20
heat percentile above season percentile 		Waterloo is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#73 Colorado Springs
Colorado, United States 		158
May 3 to October 8 		2502 -20
heat percentile above season percentile 		Colorado Springs is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#74 Jamestown
North Dakota, United States 		144
May 8 to September 29 		2197 -20
heat percentile above season percentile 		Jamestown is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#75 Timmins
Ontario, Canada 		92
June 7 to September 7 		1297 -20
heat percentile above season percentile 		Timmins is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#76 Iowa City
Iowa, United States 		163
April 29 to October 9 		2756 -19
heat percentile above season percentile 		Iowa City is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#77 Battle Creek
Michigan, United States 		159
May 6 to October 12 		2498 -19
heat percentile above season percentile 		Battle Creek is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#78 Ann Arbor
Michigan, United States 		158
May 5 to October 10 		2483 -19
heat percentile above season percentile 		Ann Arbor is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#79 Moorhead
Minnesota, United States 		151
May 4 to October 2 		2299 -19
heat percentile above season percentile 		Moorhead is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#80 Watertown
South Dakota, United States 		146
May 7 to September 30 		2201 -19
heat percentile above season percentile 		Watertown is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#81 Rock Springs
Wyoming, United States 		129
May 22 to September 28 		1841 -19
heat percentile above season percentile 		Rock Springs is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#82 Quesnel
British Columbia, Canada 		120
May 22 to September 19 		1610 -19
heat percentile above season percentile 		Quesnel is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#83 Alamosa
Colorado, United States 		110
May 30 to September 17 		1434 -19
heat percentile above season percentile 		Alamosa is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#84 Lowell
Massachusetts, United States 		163
April 30 to October 10 		2703 -18
heat percentile above season percentile 		Lowell is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#85 Appleton
Wisconsin, United States 		155
May 4 to October 6 		2355 -18
heat percentile above season percentile 		Appleton is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#86 Brookings
South Dakota, United States 		148
May 6 to October 1 		2212 -18
heat percentile above season percentile 		Brookings is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#87 Billings
Montana, United States 		144
May 10 to October 1 		2146 -18
heat percentile above season percentile 		Billings is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#88 Hibbing
Minnesota, United States 		95
June 5 to September 8 		1185 -18
heat percentile above season percentile 		Hibbing is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.
#89 Thompson
Manitoba, Canada 		75
June 14 to August 28 		1129 -18
heat percentile above season percentile 		Thompson is shorter on calendar room than on seasonal heat, which can reward prompt planting and fast warm-season varieties.

What this ranking means

These are not frost-safe climates. The first and last frost dates still set hard boundaries. The useful insight is that once the season opens, the summer heat budget can be strong enough to reward fast crops, warm sites, and timely planting.

Compare the opposite pattern: Long Growing Seasons With Low Growing Degree Days.

Sources and methodology

This ranking is a GrowByDate interpretation of frost-date and seasonal heat signals. These links show the official source concepts behind the derived metrics.

These links support the reference concepts behind the page. GrowByDate values are planning averages, not live forecasts or guarantees for a specific garden bed.

Methodology

Cities with 180 or fewer frost-free days are ranked by how much higher their base 50°F GDD percentile is than their frost-free-days percentile. The result highlights places where timing is tight but seasonal heat is stronger than the calendar suggests.

These cities still have short-season risk. The advantage is heat intensity inside the window, not immunity from late spring frost, early fall frost, hail, wind, drought, or cold garden pockets.

Download: short season, higher GDD JSON.