Frost dates for Seattle, Washington
In a typical year, Seattle’s last spring frost lands around Mar 13 and the first fall frost around Nov 17, a growing season of about 249 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 23 days until the typical first fall frost.
| Odds | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | Feb 20 | Nov 1 |
| 50 percent | Mar 13 | Nov 17 |
| 90 percent | Apr 1 | Dec 6 |
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 Seattle is typically around 52°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.
Plantable now in Seattle
- Radish (Cherry Belle)
- Garlic (Music)
Timing comes from the same temperature engine the app uses, run against Seattle’s normals for today.
Common questions
When is the last frost in Seattle, Washington?
Seattle’s last spring frost falls around March 13 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by February 20, and one year in ten frost holds on until April 1. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.
When is the first fall frost in Seattle?
The first fall frost arrives around November 17 in a typical year, as early as November 1 in an early year and as late as December 6 in a late one.
How long is the growing season in Seattle?
About 249 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.
What USDA zone is Seattle in?
Seattle 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
- Bellevue, WA (around Mar 8 to Nov 23)
- Kent, WA (around Mar 20 to Nov 10)
- Tacoma, WA (around Mar 8 to Nov 14)
- Port Angeles, WA (around Mar 12 to Nov 19)
- Bellingham, WA (around Apr 1 to Nov 2)
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.
Set up your garden