Frost dates for Yakima, Washington
In a typical year, Yakima’s last spring frost lands around Apr 8 and the first fall frost around Oct 23, a growing season of about 198 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 7a.
Right now the typical frost season has arrived; planting waits for spring.
| Odds | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | Mar 23 | Oct 9 |
| 50 percent | Apr 8 | Oct 23 |
| 90 percent | Apr 28 | Nov 5 |
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 Yakima is typically around 51°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 Yakima, Washington?
Yakima’s last spring frost falls around April 8 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by March 23, and one year in ten frost holds on until April 28. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.
When is the first fall frost in Yakima?
The first fall frost arrives around October 23 in a typical year, as early as October 9 in an early year and as late as November 5 in a late one.
How long is the growing season in Yakima?
About 198 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.
What USDA zone is Yakima in?
Yakima is in USDA hardiness zone 7a 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
- Wenatchee, WA (around Apr 4 to Oct 28)
- Moses Lake, WA (around Apr 27 to Oct 8)
- Kennewick, WA (around Mar 28 to Oct 30)
- The Dalles, OR (around Apr 14 to Oct 23)
- Hermiston, OR (around Apr 26 to Oct 10)
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