Frost Dates for Chesapeake, VA
In Chesapeake, VA, the average last spring frost is around Mar 23 and the average first fall frost around Nov 18, for a growing season of about 240 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 7, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Fentress Naas, VA weather station, 9 miles away, elevation 16 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 7 | Nov 4 |
| 20% | Apr 2 | Nov 8 |
| 30% | Mar 29 | Nov 12 |
| 40% | Mar 26 | Nov 15 |
| 50% | Mar 23 | Nov 18 |
| 60% | Mar 20 | Nov 22 |
| 70% | Mar 16 | Nov 27 |
| 80% | Mar 11 | Dec 1 |
| 90% | Mar 5 | Dec 7 |
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 3 | Nov 6 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 23 | Nov 18 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Mar 10 | Dec 2 |
Planting calendar for Chesapeake
Transplant Mar 30 – Apr 13
Transplant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Transplant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Transplant Mar 30 – Apr 13
Sow or transplant Mar 30 – Apr 13
Sow or transplant Mar 30 – Apr 13
Sow or transplant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Sow or transplant Feb 23 – Mar 9
Fall sowing Sep 23 – Oct 21
Fall sowing Sep 23 – Oct 14
Fall sowing Sep 9 – Sep 23
Sow or transplant Feb 23 – Mar 9
Fall sowing Sep 9 – Oct 7
Transplant Mar 9 – Mar 23
Fall sowing Aug 26 – Sep 9
Transplant Mar 2 – Mar 16
Fall sowing Aug 26 – Sep 9
Fall sowing Aug 26 – Sep 9
Fall sowing Oct 7 – Oct 28
Fall sowing Sep 9 – Sep 23
Plant Feb 23 – Mar 9
Based on the average last frost (Mar 23) and first frost (Nov 18). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.