Frost dates for 20007 — Washington, DC
How Washington compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Washington falls between March 27 and April 26, a 30-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 16 and November 13.
- The last frost is 4 days later than the zone 7b median of Apr 5. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 7b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 96 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 27 |
| 50% (median) | April 9 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 26 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 16 |
| 50% (median) | October 31 |
| 90% (late) | November 13 |
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 Washington, DC
Frost dates for 20007 — Washington, DC — last frost Apr 9, first frost Oct 31, zone 7b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Washington, DC
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Mar 12 – Apr 16 | Sep 5 – Oct 3 |
| Kale | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Aug 22 – Sep 12 |
| Broccoli | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Cabbage | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Okra | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 30 – May 14 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — |
| Basil | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 26 – Mar 19 | Aug 8 – Aug 29 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 26 – Mar 19 | Sep 5 – Sep 26 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 5 – Apr 16 | Sep 19 – Oct 10 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 12 – Mar 19 | Apr 23 – Apr 30 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 12 – Mar 19 | — | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 12 – Mar 19 | — | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 12 – Mar 19 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 16 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 16 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 9 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 23 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 16 | Sep 5 – Sep 26 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 16 – May 7 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 23 – May 14 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 17 – Nov 21 |
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 Dalecarlia Rsvr, MD weather station, 4 km away (elevation 151 ft (46 m)).
ZIP codes in Washington: 20001 20002 20003 20004 20005 20006 20007 20008 20009 20010 20011 20012 20013 20015 20016 20017 20018 20019 20020 20022 20024 20026 20027 20029 20030 20032 20033 20035 20036 20037 20038 20039 20040 20041 20042 20043 20044 20045 20047 20049 20050 20052 20053 20055 20056 20057 20058 20059 20060 20061 20062 20063 20064 20065 20066 20067 20068 20069 20070 20071 …
Frost dates near Washington
- Naval Anacost Annex Mar 24 · Nov 18
- Washington Navy Yard Mar 29 · Nov 8
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Washington, DC?
The median last spring frost in Washington, DC is April 9. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 26, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Washington, DC?
The median first fall frost is October 31, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 16.
How long is the growing season in Washington, DC?
About 205 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Washington, DC?
Washington, DC is in USDA hardiness zone 7b.