Frost dates for Portland, Oregon
In a typical year, Portland’s last spring frost lands around Feb 25 and the first fall frost around Dec 1, a growing season of about 279 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 9a.
Right now the growing season is open, with about 37 days until the typical first fall frost.
| Odds | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | Jan 24 | Nov 10 |
| 50 percent | Feb 25 | Dec 1 |
| 90 percent | Mar 21 | Dec 27 |
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 Portland is typically around 54°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.
Plantable now in Portland
- Radish (Cherry Belle)
- Garlic (Music)
- Shallot (French Red Shallot)
- Bok choy (Toy Choi)
- Arugula (Surrey)
Timing comes from the same temperature engine the app uses, run against Portland’s normals for today.
Common questions
When is the last frost in Portland, Oregon?
Portland’s last spring frost falls around February 25 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by January 24, and one year in ten frost holds on until March 21. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.
When is the first fall frost in Portland?
The first fall frost arrives around December 1 in a typical year, as early as November 10 in an early year and as late as December 27 in a late one.
How long is the growing season in Portland?
About 279 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.
What USDA zone is Portland in?
Portland is in USDA hardiness zone 9a 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
- Vancouver, WA (around Mar 29 to Nov 9)
- Gresham, OR (around Mar 16 to Nov 20)
- Salem, OR (around Apr 3 to Nov 1)
- Astoria, OR (around Mar 30 to Nov 18)
- The Dalles, OR (around Apr 14 to Oct 23)
Row & Bed is a plant reference built around your garden: your zone, your frost dates, your forecast, and a cited page for every variety in your beds.
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