Frost dates for 97222 — Portland, OR
How Portland compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Portland falls between February 19 and April 11, a 51-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 30 and December 12.
- The median last frost is 29 days earlier than the Oregon median of Apr 16.
- Its 245-day growing season is longer than 85% of the 345 Oregon places with a regular frost season (state median 193 days).
- The last frost is 15 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 30 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | February 19 |
| 50% (median) | March 18 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 11 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 30 |
| 50% (median) | November 18 |
| 90% (late) | December 12 |
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 97222 — Portland, OR — last frost Mar 18, first frost Nov 18, zone 9a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Portland, OR
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Dec 24 – Jan 7 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Feb 18 – Mar 25 | Sep 23 – Oct 21 |
| Kale | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Sep 9 – Sep 30 |
| Broccoli | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | — | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Cabbage | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | — | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | — | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Okra | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — |
| Basil | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 4 – Feb 25 | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 4 – Feb 25 | Sep 23 – Oct 14 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 11 – Mar 25 | Oct 7 – Oct 28 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 18 – Feb 25 | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 18 – Feb 25 | — | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Sep 9 – Sep 23 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Feb 18 – Feb 25 | — | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Feb 18 – Feb 25 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Feb 25 – Mar 25 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
| Beets | — | — | Feb 25 – Mar 25 | Sep 9 – Sep 23 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Feb 25 – Mar 18 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 4 – Apr 1 | Sep 9 – Sep 23 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 4 – Mar 25 | Sep 23 – Oct 14 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 15 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 1 – Apr 22 | — | — |
| 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 Oregon City, OR weather station, 9 km away (elevation 167 ft (51 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
- Marylhurst Mar 18 · Nov 18
- Gladstone Mar 18 · Nov 18
- Happy Valley Mar 18 · Nov 18
- Lake Oswego Mar 18 · Nov 18
- Clackamas Mar 18 · Nov 18
- West Linn Mar 18 · Nov 18
- Oregon City Mar 18 · Nov 18
- 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 18. 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 Portland, OR?
The median first fall frost is November 18, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 30.
How long is the growing season in Portland, OR?
About 245 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.