Frost dates for 98059 — Renton, WA
How Renton compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Renton falls between February 19 and March 31, a 40-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 29 and December 9.
- The median last frost is 39 days earlier than the Washington median of Apr 21.
- Its 248-day growing season is longer than 89% of the 491 Washington places with a regular frost season (state median 182 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 8b, where the median is Mar 16.
- The weather station records an average of 30 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Bellevue, WA, 12 km away, the last frost here is 5 days later than there and the growing season is 12 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | February 19 |
| 50% (median) | March 13 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 31 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 29 |
| 50% (median) | November 16 |
| 90% (late) | December 9 |
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 Renton, WA
Frost dates for 98059 — Renton, WA — last frost Mar 13, first frost Nov 16, zone 8b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Renton, WA
| 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 21 – Oct 19 |
| Kale | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Sep 7 – Sep 28 |
| Broccoli | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | — | Aug 10 – Aug 31 |
| Cabbage | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | — | Aug 10 – Aug 31 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | — | Aug 10 – Aug 31 |
| 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 24 – Sep 14 |
| Spinach | — | — | Jan 30 – Feb 20 | Sep 21 – Oct 12 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 6 – Mar 20 | Oct 5 – Oct 26 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 13 – Feb 20 | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 13 – Feb 20 | — | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Sep 7 – Sep 21 |
| 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 24 – Sep 7 |
| Beets | — | — | Feb 20 – Mar 20 | Sep 7 – Sep 21 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Feb 20 – Mar 13 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Feb 27 – Mar 27 | Sep 7 – Sep 21 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Feb 27 – Mar 20 | Sep 21 – Oct 12 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 10 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Mar 27 – Apr 17 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 2 – Dec 7 |
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 Renton Muni Ap, WA weather station, 8 km away (elevation 30 ft (9 m)).
ZIP codes in Renton: 98055 98056 98057 98058 98059
Frost dates near Renton
- Issaquah Mar 30 · Nov 7
- Mercer Island Mar 13 · Nov 17
- Bellevue Mar 8 · Nov 23
- Sammamish Mar 30 · Nov 7
- Maple Valley Apr 20 · Oct 25
- Hobart Apr 20 · Oct 25
- Preston Mar 30 · Nov 7
- Kent Mar 20 · Nov 10
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Renton, WA?
The median last spring frost in Renton, WA is March 13. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 31, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Renton, WA?
The median first fall frost is November 16, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 29.
How long is the growing season in Renton, WA?
About 248 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Renton, WA?
Renton, WA is in USDA hardiness zone 8b.