Frost dates for 20030 — Washington, DC
How Washington compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Washington falls between March 15 and April 11, a 27-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 26 and November 23.
- The last frost is 7 days earlier 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 84 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 15 |
| 50% (median) | March 29 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 11 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 26 |
| 50% (median) | November 8 |
| 90% (late) | November 23 |
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 20030 — Washington, DC — last frost Mar 29, first frost Nov 8, zone 7b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Washington, DC
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 4 – Jan 18 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 18 – Feb 1 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 18 – Feb 1 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 1 – Feb 15 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 1 – Feb 15 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Mar 1 – Apr 5 | Sep 13 – Oct 11 |
| Kale | Feb 1 – Feb 15 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Aug 30 – Sep 20 |
| Broccoli | Feb 1 – Feb 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | — | Aug 2 – Aug 23 |
| Cabbage | Feb 1 – Feb 15 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | — | Aug 2 – Aug 23 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 1 – Feb 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | — | Aug 2 – Aug 23 |
| Okra | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Apr 19 – May 3 | Apr 19 – May 3 | — |
| Basil | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 15 – Mar 8 | Aug 16 – Sep 6 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 15 – Mar 8 | Sep 13 – Oct 4 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 22 – Apr 5 | Sep 27 – Oct 18 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 1 – Mar 8 | Apr 12 – Apr 19 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 1 – Mar 8 | — | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 1 – Mar 8 | — | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 1 – Mar 8 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 8 – Apr 5 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 8 – Apr 5 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 8 – Mar 29 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 15 – Apr 12 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 15 – Apr 5 | Sep 13 – Oct 4 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 5 – Apr 26 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 12 – May 3 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 25 – Nov 29 |
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 Natl Arboretum Dc, MD weather station, 4 km away (elevation 49 ft (15 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
- Washington Navy Yard Mar 29 · Nov 8
- Naval Anacost Annex Mar 24 · Nov 18
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Washington, DC?
The median last spring frost in Washington, DC is March 29. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 11, 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 November 8, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 26.
How long is the growing season in Washington, DC?
About 224 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.