Frost dates for 97232 — Portland, OR
How Portland compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Portland falls between January 24 and March 21, a 56-day window. The first fall frost falls between November 10 and December 27.
- The median last frost is 50 days earlier than the Oregon median of Apr 16.
- Its 279-day growing season is longer than 97% of the 345 Oregon places with a regular frost season (state median 193 days).
- The last frost is 6 days earlier 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 18 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 24 |
| 50% (median) | February 25 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 21 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 10 |
| 50% (median) | December 1 |
| 90% (late) | December 27 |
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 97232 — Portland, OR — last frost Feb 25, first frost Dec 1, zone 9a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Portland, OR
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Dec 3 – Dec 17 | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | — | — |
| Peppers | Dec 17 – Dec 31 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Dec 17 – Dec 31 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 31 – Jan 14 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 31 – Jan 14 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Jan 28 – Mar 4 | Oct 6 – Nov 3 |
| Kale | Dec 31 – Jan 14 | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Sep 22 – Oct 13 |
| Broccoli | Dec 31 – Jan 14 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — | Aug 25 – Sep 15 |
| Cabbage | Dec 31 – Jan 14 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | — | Aug 25 – Sep 15 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 31 – Jan 14 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — | Aug 25 – Sep 15 |
| Okra | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | — |
| Basil | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Jan 14 – Feb 4 | Sep 8 – Sep 29 |
| Spinach | — | — | Jan 14 – Feb 4 | Oct 6 – Oct 27 |
| Radishes | — | — | Jan 21 – Mar 4 | Oct 20 – Nov 10 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 28 – Feb 4 | Mar 11 – Mar 18 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Sep 15 – Sep 29 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 28 – Feb 4 | — | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Sep 22 – Oct 6 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 28 – Feb 4 | — | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 28 – Feb 4 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Feb 4 – Mar 4 | Sep 8 – Sep 22 |
| Beets | — | — | Feb 4 – Mar 4 | Sep 22 – Oct 6 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Feb 4 – Feb 25 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Feb 11 – Mar 11 | Sep 22 – Oct 6 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Feb 11 – Mar 4 | Oct 6 – Oct 27 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Mar 4 – Mar 25 | Sep 15 – Sep 29 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Mar 11 – Apr 1 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 17 – Dec 22 |
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 Kgw-Tv, OR weather station, 4 km away (elevation 161 ft (49 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
- Lake Oswego Mar 18 · Nov 18
- Marylhurst Mar 18 · Nov 18
- Beaverton Feb 11 · Dec 5
- Fairview Mar 16 · Nov 20
- Clackamas Mar 18 · Nov 18
- Gladstone Mar 18 · Nov 18
- Gresham Mar 16 · Nov 20
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Portland, OR?
The median last spring frost in Portland, OR is February 25. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 21, 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 December 1, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 10.
How long is the growing season in Portland, OR?
About 279 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.