Frost Dates for Washington, DC
In Washington, DC, the average last spring frost is around Mar 29 and the average first fall frost around Nov 8, for a growing season of about 224 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 11, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Natl Arboretum Dc, MD weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 50 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.
Frost probability by date
Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Apr 11 | Oct 26 |
| 20% | Apr 6 | Oct 31 |
| 30% | Apr 3 | Nov 2 |
| 40% | Mar 31 | Nov 5 |
| 50% | Mar 29 | Nov 8 |
| 60% | Mar 27 | Nov 10 |
| 70% | Mar 24 | Nov 13 |
| 80% | Mar 20 | Nov 17 |
| 90% | Mar 15 | Nov 23 |
Light frost vs. hard freeze
Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Apr 10 | Oct 29 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 29 | Nov 8 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Mar 17 | Nov 20 |
Planting calendar for Washington
Transplant Apr 5 – Apr 19
Transplant Apr 12 – Apr 26
Transplant Apr 12 – Apr 26
Transplant Apr 5 – Apr 19
Sow or transplant Apr 5 – Apr 19
Sow or transplant Apr 5 – Apr 19
Sow or transplant Apr 12 – Apr 26
Sow or transplant Mar 1 – Mar 15
Fall sowing Sep 13 – Oct 11
Fall sowing Sep 13 – Oct 4
Fall sowing Aug 30 – Sep 13
Sow or transplant Mar 1 – Mar 15
Fall sowing Aug 30 – Sep 27
Transplant Mar 15 – Mar 29
Fall sowing Aug 16 – Aug 30
Transplant Mar 8 – Mar 22
Fall sowing Aug 16 – Aug 30
Fall sowing Aug 16 – Aug 30
Fall sowing Sep 27 – Oct 18
Fall sowing Aug 30 – Sep 13
Plant Mar 1 – Mar 15
Based on the average last frost (Mar 29) and first frost (Nov 8). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.