Vaughn, WA frost dates
How Vaughn compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Vaughn falls between February 15 and April 2, a 46-day window. The first fall frost falls between November 3 and December 10.
- The median last frost is 41 days earlier than the Washington median of Apr 21.
- Its 255-day growing season is longer than 93% of the 491 Washington places with a regular frost season (state median 182 days).
- The last frost is 5 days earlier than the zone 8b median of Mar 16. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 8b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 21 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Tacoma, WA, 27 km away, the last frost here is 3 days later than there and the growing season is 4 days longer.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | February 15 |
| 50% (median) | March 11 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 2 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 3 |
| 50% (median) | November 21 |
| 90% (late) | December 10 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Vaughn, WA
Vaughn, WA frost dates — last frost Mar 11, first frost Nov 21, zone 8b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Vaughn, WA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Dec 17 – Dec 31 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — | — |
| Peppers | Dec 31 – Jan 14 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Dec 31 – Jan 14 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Feb 11 – Mar 18 | Sep 26 – Oct 24 |
| Kale | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Sep 12 – Oct 3 |
| Broccoli | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | — | Aug 15 – Sep 5 |
| Cabbage | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — | Aug 15 – Sep 5 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | — | Aug 15 – Sep 5 |
| Okra | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — |
| Basil | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Jan 28 – Feb 18 | Aug 29 – Sep 19 |
| Spinach | — | — | Jan 28 – Feb 18 | Sep 26 – Oct 17 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 4 – Mar 18 | Oct 10 – Oct 31 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 11 – Feb 18 | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 11 – Feb 18 | — | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Sep 12 – Sep 26 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Feb 11 – Feb 18 | — | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Feb 11 – Feb 18 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Feb 18 – Mar 18 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
| Beets | — | — | Feb 18 – Mar 18 | Sep 12 – Sep 26 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Feb 18 – Mar 11 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Feb 25 – Mar 25 | Sep 12 – Sep 26 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Feb 25 – Mar 18 | Sep 26 – Oct 17 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 8 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Mar 25 – Apr 15 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 7 – Dec 12 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Tacoma Narrows Ap, WA weather station, 17 km away (elevation 292 ft (89 m)).
Frost dates near Vaughn
- Lakebay Mar 11 · Nov 21
- Allyn Mar 24 · Nov 15
- Gig Harbor Mar 11 · Nov 21
- Grapeview Mar 24 · Nov 15
- Wauna Mar 11 · Nov 21
- Fox Island Mar 11 · Nov 21
- Burley Mar 29 · Nov 14
- Longbranch Mar 11 · Nov 21
- Belfair Mar 24 · Nov 15
- Olalla Mar 11 · Nov 21
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Vaughn, WA?
The median last spring frost in Vaughn, WA is March 11. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 2, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Vaughn, WA?
The median first fall frost is November 21, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 3.
How long is the growing season in Vaughn, WA?
About 255 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Vaughn, WA?
Vaughn, WA is in USDA hardiness zone 8b.