Frost dates for 20032 — Washington, DC
How Washington compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Washington falls between March 7 and April 6, a 30-day window. The first fall frost falls between November 5 and December 6.
- The last frost is 5 days earlier than the zone 8a median of Mar 29. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 8a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 60 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 7 |
| 50% (median) | March 24 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 6 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 5 |
| 50% (median) | November 18 |
| 90% (late) | December 6 |
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 20032 — Washington, DC — last frost Mar 24, first frost Nov 18, zone 8a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Washington, DC
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Dec 30 – Jan 13 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | Feb 24 – Mar 31 | Sep 23 – Oct 21 |
| Kale | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Sep 9 – Sep 30 |
| Broccoli | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | — | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Cabbage | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | — | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | — | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Okra | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | — |
| Basil | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 10 – Mar 3 | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 10 – Mar 3 | Sep 23 – Oct 14 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 17 – Mar 31 | Oct 7 – Oct 28 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 24 – Mar 3 | Apr 7 – Apr 14 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 24 – Mar 3 | — | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Sep 9 – Sep 23 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Feb 24 – Mar 3 | — | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Feb 24 – Mar 3 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 3 – Mar 31 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 3 – Mar 31 | Sep 9 – Sep 23 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 3 – Mar 24 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 10 – Apr 7 | Sep 9 – Sep 23 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 10 – Mar 31 | Sep 23 – Oct 14 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Mar 31 – Apr 21 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 7 – Apr 28 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 4 – Dec 9 |
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 Washington Reagan Ap, VA weather station, 3 km away (elevation 10 ft (3 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 March 24. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 6, 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 18, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 5.
How long is the growing season in Washington, DC?
About 239 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Washington, DC?
Washington, DC is in USDA hardiness zone 8a.