Frost Dates for Issaquah, WA

In Issaquah, WA, the average last spring frost is around Mar 13 and the average first fall frost around Nov 16, for a growing season of about 248 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Mar 31, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostMar 1350% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantMar 31only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostNov 1650% chance of frost before this date
Growing season248 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Renton Muni Airport, WA weather station, 9 miles away, elevation 29 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%Mar 31Oct 29
20%Mar 25Nov 2
30%Mar 22Nov 7
40%Mar 18Nov 11
50%Mar 13Nov 16
60%Mar 8Nov 20
70%Mar 3Nov 25
80%Feb 27Dec 1
90%Feb 19Dec 9

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 6Oct 31
Frost / freeze (32°F)Mar 13Nov 16
Hard freeze (28°F)Feb 13Dec 6

Planting calendar for Issaquah

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Jan 16 – Jan 30
Transplant Mar 20 – Apr 3
Peppers
Indoors Jan 2 – Jan 16
Transplant Mar 27 – Apr 10
Eggplant
Indoors Jan 2 – Jan 16
Transplant Mar 27 – Apr 10
Basil
Indoors Jan 30 – Feb 13
Transplant Mar 20 – Apr 3
Cucumbers
Indoors Feb 13 – Feb 20
Sow or transplant Mar 20 – Apr 3
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Feb 13 – Feb 20
Sow or transplant Mar 20 – Apr 3
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Mar 20 – Apr 3
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Feb 13 – Feb 20
Sow or transplant Mar 27 – Apr 10
Green beans
Sow Mar 20 – Apr 3
Sweet corn
Sow Mar 20 – Apr 3
Lettuce
Indoors Jan 30 – Feb 13
Sow or transplant Feb 13 – Feb 27
Fall sowing Sep 21 – Oct 19
Spinach
Sow Jan 30 – Feb 20
Fall sowing Sep 21 – Oct 12
Peas
Sow Jan 30 – Feb 13
Fall sowing Sep 7 – Sep 21
Kale
Indoors Jan 16 – Jan 30
Sow or transplant Feb 13 – Feb 27
Fall sowing Sep 7 – Oct 5
Broccoli
Indoors Jan 16 – Jan 30
Transplant Feb 27 – Mar 13
Fall sowing Aug 24 – Sep 7
Cabbage
Indoors Jan 16 – Jan 30
Transplant Feb 20 – Mar 6
Fall sowing Aug 24 – Sep 7
Carrots
Sow Feb 20 – Mar 13
Fall sowing Aug 24 – Sep 7
Radishes
Sow Feb 6 – Feb 27
Fall sowing Oct 5 – Oct 26
Beets
Sow Feb 20 – Mar 13
Fall sowing Sep 7 – Sep 21
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Dec 19 – Jan 2
Plant Feb 13 – Feb 27
Potatoes
Plant Feb 20 – Mar 6
Garlic
Plant Nov 16 – Dec 14

Based on the average last frost (Mar 13) and first frost (Nov 16). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

Nearby cities

SammamishBellevueRentonMercer IslandRedmondMaple ValleyKirklandKentAll Washington towns