Frost Dates for Tacoma, WA
In Tacoma, WA, the average last spring frost is around Mar 8 and the average first fall frost around Nov 14, for a growing season of about 250 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Mar 31, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Tacoma #1, WA weather station, 2 miles 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.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Mar 31 | Oct 30 |
| 20% | Mar 23 | Nov 3 |
| 30% | Mar 17 | Nov 7 |
| 40% | Mar 12 | Nov 11 |
| 50% | Mar 8 | Nov 14 |
| 60% | Mar 3 | Nov 17 |
| 70% | Feb 28 | Nov 21 |
| 80% | Feb 23 | Nov 26 |
| 90% | Feb 15 | Dec 2 |
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 2 | Oct 31 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 8 | Nov 14 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Feb 11 | Dec 1 |
Planting calendar for Tacoma
Transplant Mar 15 – Mar 29
Transplant Mar 22 – Apr 5
Transplant Mar 22 – Apr 5
Transplant Mar 15 – Mar 29
Sow or transplant Mar 15 – Mar 29
Sow or transplant Mar 15 – Mar 29
Sow or transplant Mar 22 – Apr 5
Sow or transplant Feb 8 – Feb 22
Fall sowing Sep 19 – Oct 17
Fall sowing Sep 19 – Oct 10
Fall sowing Sep 5 – Sep 19
Sow or transplant Feb 8 – Feb 22
Fall sowing Sep 5 – Oct 3
Transplant Feb 22 – Mar 8
Fall sowing Aug 22 – Sep 5
Transplant Feb 15 – Mar 1
Fall sowing Aug 22 – Sep 5
Fall sowing Aug 22 – Sep 5
Fall sowing Oct 3 – Oct 24
Fall sowing Sep 5 – Sep 19
Plant Feb 8 – Feb 22
Based on the average last frost (Mar 8) and first frost (Nov 14). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.