Frost Dates for Annapolis, MD

In Annapolis, MD, the average last spring frost is around Mar 27 and the average first fall frost around Nov 13, for a growing season of about 234 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 9, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostMar 2750% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantApr 9only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostNov 1350% chance of frost before this date
Growing season234 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Annapolis Police Brks, MD weather station, 1 mile away, elevation 25 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.

ChanceLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10%Apr 9Nov 1
20%Apr 4Nov 4
30%Mar 31Nov 7
40%Mar 29Nov 10
50%Mar 27Nov 13
60%Mar 24Nov 16
70%Mar 20Nov 20
80%Mar 16Nov 25
90%Mar 9Dec 1

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.

TemperatureLast in springFirst in fall
Light frost (36°F)Apr 7Nov 2
Frost / freeze (32°F)Mar 27Nov 13
Hard freeze (28°F)Mar 14Nov 28

Planting calendar for Annapolis

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Jan 30 – Feb 13
Transplant Apr 3 – Apr 17
Peppers
Indoors Jan 16 – Jan 30
Transplant Apr 10 – Apr 24
Eggplant
Indoors Jan 16 – Jan 30
Transplant Apr 10 – Apr 24
Basil
Indoors Feb 13 – Feb 27
Transplant Apr 3 – Apr 17
Cucumbers
Indoors Feb 27 – Mar 6
Sow or transplant Apr 3 – Apr 17
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Feb 27 – Mar 6
Sow or transplant Apr 3 – Apr 17
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Apr 3 – Apr 17
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Feb 27 – Mar 6
Sow or transplant Apr 10 – Apr 24
Green beans
Sow Apr 3 – Apr 17
Sweet corn
Sow Apr 3 – Apr 17
Lettuce
Indoors Feb 13 – Feb 27
Sow or transplant Feb 27 – Mar 13
Fall sowing Sep 18 – Oct 16
Spinach
Sow Feb 13 – Mar 6
Fall sowing Sep 18 – Oct 9
Peas
Sow Feb 13 – Feb 27
Fall sowing Sep 4 – Sep 18
Kale
Indoors Jan 30 – Feb 13
Sow or transplant Feb 27 – Mar 13
Fall sowing Sep 4 – Oct 2
Broccoli
Indoors Jan 30 – Feb 13
Transplant Mar 13 – Mar 27
Fall sowing Aug 21 – Sep 4
Cabbage
Indoors Jan 30 – Feb 13
Transplant Mar 6 – Mar 20
Fall sowing Aug 21 – Sep 4
Carrots
Sow Mar 6 – Mar 27
Fall sowing Aug 21 – Sep 4
Radishes
Sow Feb 20 – Mar 13
Fall sowing Oct 2 – Oct 23
Beets
Sow Mar 6 – Mar 27
Fall sowing Sep 4 – Sep 18
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Jan 2 – Jan 16
Plant Feb 27 – Mar 13
Potatoes
Plant Mar 6 – Mar 20
Garlic
Plant Nov 13 – Dec 11

Based on the average last frost (Mar 27) and first frost (Nov 13). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

Nearby cities

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