Frost dates for Washington, District of Columbia
In a typical year, Washington’s last spring frost lands around Mar 29 and the first fall frost around Nov 8, a growing season of about 224 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 8a.
Right now the growing season is open, with about 14 days until the typical first fall frost.
| Odds | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | Mar 15 | Oct 26 |
| 50 percent | Mar 29 | Nov 8 |
| 90 percent | Apr 11 | Nov 23 |
A 10 percent year is an early year, a 90 percent year a late one. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the 90 percent side of the last-frost band.
Soil in Washington is typically around 58°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.
Plantable now in Washington
- Garlic (Music)
Timing comes from the same temperature engine the app uses, run against Washington’s normals for today.
Common questions
When is the last frost in Washington, District of Columbia?
Washington’s last spring frost falls around March 29 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by March 15, and one year in ten frost holds on until April 11. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.
When is the first fall frost in Washington?
The first fall frost arrives around November 8 in a typical year, as early as October 26 in an early year and as late as November 23 in a late one.
How long is the growing season in Washington?
About 224 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.
What USDA zone is Washington in?
Washington is in USDA hardiness zone 8a under the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Dates come from 30-year NOAA climate normals for the nearest reporting station. They describe odds, not a forecast.
Nearby cities
- Alexandria, VA (around Mar 24 to Nov 18)
- Rockville, MD (around Apr 1 to Nov 6)
- Gaithersburg, MD (around Apr 1 to Nov 6)
- Baltimore, MD (around Mar 24 to Nov 21)
- Frederick, MD (around Apr 2 to Nov 6)
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