Frost dates for 97215 — Portland, OR
How Portland compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Portland falls between February 20 and April 5, a 44-day window. The first fall frost falls between November 3 and December 14.
- The median last frost is 34 days earlier than the Oregon median of Apr 16.
- Its 254-day growing season is longer than 93% of the 345 Oregon places with a regular frost season (state median 193 days).
- The last frost is 10 days later than the zone 9a median of Mar 3. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 9a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 29 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | February 20 |
| 50% (median) | March 13 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 5 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 3 |
| 50% (median) | November 22 |
| 90% (late) | December 14 |
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 Portland, OR
Frost dates for 97215 — Portland, OR — last frost Mar 13, first frost Nov 22, zone 9a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Portland, OR
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Feb 13 – Mar 20 | Sep 27 – Oct 25 |
| Kale | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Sep 13 – Oct 4 |
| Broccoli | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | — | Aug 16 – Sep 6 |
| Cabbage | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | — | Aug 16 – Sep 6 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | — | Aug 16 – Sep 6 |
| Okra | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | — |
| Basil | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Jan 30 – Feb 20 | Aug 30 – Sep 20 |
| Spinach | — | — | Jan 30 – Feb 20 | Sep 27 – Oct 18 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 6 – Mar 20 | Oct 11 – Nov 1 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 13 – Feb 20 | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Sep 6 – Sep 20 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 13 – Feb 20 | — | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Sep 13 – Sep 27 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Feb 13 – Feb 20 | — | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Feb 13 – Feb 20 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Feb 20 – Mar 20 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
| Beets | — | — | Feb 20 – Mar 20 | Sep 13 – Sep 27 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Feb 20 – Mar 13 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Feb 27 – Mar 27 | Sep 13 – Sep 27 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Feb 27 – Mar 20 | Sep 27 – Oct 18 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 10 | Sep 6 – Sep 20 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Mar 27 – Apr 17 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 8 – Dec 13 |
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 Portland Wfo, OR weather station, 7 km away (elevation 20 ft (6 m)).
ZIP codes in Portland: 97201 97202 97203 97204 97205 97206 97207 97208 97209 97210 97211 97212 97213 97214 97215 97216 97217 97218 97219 97220 97221 97222 97223 97224 97225 97227 97228 97229 97230 97231 97232 97233 97236 97238 97239 97240 97242 97250 97251 97252 97253 97254 97256 97258 97266 97267 97268 97269 97280 97281 97282 97283 97286 97290 97291 97292 97293 97294 97296 97298
Frost dates near Portland
- Happy Valley Mar 18 · Nov 18
- Clackamas Mar 18 · Nov 18
- Fairview Mar 16 · Nov 20
- Marylhurst Mar 18 · Nov 18
- Gladstone Mar 18 · Nov 18
- Lake Oswego Mar 18 · Nov 18
- Gresham Mar 16 · Nov 20
- Damascus Mar 18 · Nov 18
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Portland, OR?
The median last spring frost in Portland, OR is March 13. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 5, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Portland, OR?
The median first fall frost is November 22, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 3.
How long is the growing season in Portland, OR?
About 254 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Portland, OR?
Portland, OR is in USDA hardiness zone 9a.