Frost dates for 25320 — Charleston, WV
How Charleston compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Charleston falls between April 15 and May 15, a 30-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 4 and October 29.
- The median last frost is 6 days later than the West Virginia median of Apr 23.
- Its 170-day growing season is longer than 22% of the 745 West Virginia places with a regular frost season (state median 182 days).
- The last frost is 13 days later than the zone 7a median of Apr 16. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 7a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 133 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 15 |
| 50% (median) | April 29 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 15 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 4 |
| 50% (median) | October 16 |
| 90% (late) | October 29 |
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 Charleston, WV
Frost dates for 25320 — Charleston, WV — last frost Apr 29, first frost Oct 16, zone 7a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Charleston, WV
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | May 6 – May 20 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 1 – May 6 | Aug 21 – Sep 18 |
| Kale | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Broccoli | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | Jul 10 – Jul 31 |
| Cabbage | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | Jul 10 – Jul 31 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | Jul 10 – Jul 31 |
| Okra | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | May 20 – Jun 3 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — |
| Basil | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | May 6 – May 20 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 8 | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 8 | Aug 21 – Sep 11 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 25 – May 6 | Sep 4 – Sep 25 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | May 13 – May 20 | May 6 – May 20 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | — | May 6 – May 20 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | — | May 6 – May 20 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 8 – May 6 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 8 – May 6 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 8 – Apr 29 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 15 – May 13 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 15 – May 6 | Aug 21 – Sep 11 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 6 – May 27 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 6 – May 20 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 13 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 2 – Nov 6 |
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 Sissonville 1sw, WV weather station, 3 km away (elevation 633 ft (193 m)).
ZIP codes in Charleston: 25301 25302 25304 25305 25306 25311 25312 25313 25314 25315 25317 25320 25321 25322 25323 25324 25325 25326 25327 25328 25329 25330 25331 25332 25333 25334 25335 25336 25337 25338 25339 25350 25356 25357 25358 25360 25361 25362 25364 25365 25375 25387 25389 25392 25396
Frost dates near Charleston
- Kenna Apr 29 · Oct 16
- Advent Apr 29 · Oct 16
- Liberty Apr 29 · Oct 16
- Poca Apr 18 · Oct 26
- Elkview Apr 16 · Oct 26
- Bancroft Apr 18 · Oct 30
- Given Apr 23 · Oct 21
- Hometown Apr 18 · Oct 30
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Charleston, WV?
The median last spring frost in Charleston, WV is April 29. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 15, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Charleston, WV?
The median first fall frost is October 16, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 4.
How long is the growing season in Charleston, WV?
About 170 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Charleston, WV?
Charleston, WV is in USDA hardiness zone 7a.