Frost Dates for Norfolk, VA
In Norfolk, VA, the average last spring frost is around Mar 16 and the average first fall frost around Nov 26, for a growing season of about 255 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 1, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Norfolk Nas, VA weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 17 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 1 | Nov 8 |
| 20% | Mar 27 | Nov 14 |
| 30% | Mar 23 | Nov 18 |
| 40% | Mar 19 | Nov 23 |
| 50% | Mar 16 | Nov 26 |
| 60% | Mar 13 | Nov 29 |
| 70% | Mar 9 | Dec 2 |
| 80% | Mar 5 | Dec 8 |
| 90% | Feb 26 | Dec 17 |
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) | Mar 29 | Nov 14 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 16 | Nov 26 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Mar 2 | Dec 12 |
Planting calendar for Norfolk
Transplant Mar 23 – Apr 6
Transplant Mar 30 – Apr 13
Transplant Mar 30 – Apr 13
Transplant Mar 23 – Apr 6
Sow or transplant Mar 23 – Apr 6
Sow or transplant Mar 23 – Apr 6
Sow or transplant Mar 30 – Apr 13
Sow or transplant Feb 16 – Mar 2
Fall sowing Oct 1 – Oct 29
Fall sowing Oct 1 – Oct 22
Fall sowing Sep 17 – Oct 1
Sow or transplant Feb 16 – Mar 2
Fall sowing Sep 17 – Oct 15
Transplant Mar 2 – Mar 16
Fall sowing Sep 3 – Sep 17
Transplant Feb 23 – Mar 9
Fall sowing Sep 3 – Sep 17
Fall sowing Sep 3 – Sep 17
Fall sowing Oct 15 – Nov 5
Fall sowing Sep 17 – Oct 1
Plant Feb 16 – Mar 2
Based on the average last frost (Mar 16) and first frost (Nov 26). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.