Frost dates for 97254 — Portland, OR
How Portland compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Portland falls between February 22 and April 1, a 38-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 29 and December 10.
- The median last frost is 34 days earlier than the Oregon median of Apr 16.
- Its 251-day growing season is longer than 92% 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 32 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | February 22 |
| 50% (median) | March 13 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 1 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 29 |
| 50% (median) | November 19 |
| 90% (late) | December 10 |
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 97254 — Portland, OR — last frost Mar 13, first frost Nov 19, 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 24 – Oct 22 |
| Kale | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Sep 10 – Oct 1 |
| Broccoli | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | — | Aug 13 – Sep 3 |
| Cabbage | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | — | Aug 13 – Sep 3 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | — | Aug 13 – Sep 3 |
| 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 27 – Sep 17 |
| Spinach | — | — | Jan 30 – Feb 20 | Sep 24 – Oct 15 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 6 – Mar 20 | Oct 8 – Oct 29 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 13 – Feb 20 | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 13 – Feb 20 | — | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Sep 10 – Sep 24 |
| 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 27 – Sep 10 |
| Beets | — | — | Feb 20 – Mar 20 | Sep 10 – Sep 24 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Feb 20 – Mar 13 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Feb 27 – Mar 27 | Sep 10 – Sep 24 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Feb 27 – Mar 20 | Sep 24 – Oct 15 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 10 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Mar 27 – Apr 17 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 5 – Dec 10 |
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 Intl Ap, OR weather station, about 1 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
- Fairview Mar 16 · Nov 20
- Happy Valley Mar 18 · Nov 18
- Gresham Mar 16 · Nov 20
- Troutdale Mar 26 · Nov 17
- Clackamas Mar 18 · Nov 18
- Beaverton Feb 11 · Dec 5
- Marylhurst Mar 18 · Nov 18
- Lake Oswego 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 1, 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 19, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 29.
How long is the growing season in Portland, OR?
About 251 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.