Frost dates for Salem, Oregon
In a typical year, Salem’s last spring frost lands around Apr 3 and the first fall frost around Nov 1, a growing season of about 212 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 8b.
Right now the growing season is open, with about 7 days until the typical first fall frost.
| Odds | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | Mar 10 | Oct 16 |
| 50 percent | Apr 3 | Nov 1 |
| 90 percent | Apr 27 | 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 Salem is typically around 53°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.
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Common questions
When is the last frost in Salem, Oregon?
Salem’s last spring frost falls around April 3 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by March 10, and one year in ten frost holds on until April 27. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.
When is the first fall frost in Salem?
The first fall frost arrives around November 1 in a typical year, as early as October 16 in an early year and as late as November 23 in a late one.
How long is the growing season in Salem?
About 212 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.
What USDA zone is Salem in?
Salem is in USDA hardiness zone 8b 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
- Portland, OR (around Feb 25 to Dec 1)
- Gresham, OR (around Mar 16 to Nov 20)
- Vancouver, WA (around Mar 29 to Nov 9)
- Newport, OR (around Mar 21 to Nov 27)
- Eugene, OR (around Apr 11 to Oct 23)
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