Last spring frost
Apr 2
Frost Dates for Laurel, DE
First fall frost
Nov 10
Growing season
222 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Laurel, DE, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 2 and the first fall frost is about Nov 10, giving roughly a 222-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 16 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Apr 29 | Apr 15 | Mar 30 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 16 | Apr 2 | Mar 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 3 | Mar 20 | Mar 2 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 26 | Mar 8 | Feb 17 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 29 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Mar 30 |
| 32°F | Apr 16 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 16 |
| 28°F | Apr 3 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 2 |
| 24°F | Mar 26 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 |
| 20°F | Mar 16 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 20 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Jan 30 |
| 16°F | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 15 | Feb 9 | Feb 2 | Jan 30 | Jan 24 | Jan 15 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Oct 18 | Oct 31 | Nov 11 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 29 | Nov 10 | Nov 27 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 8 | Nov 24 | Dec 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 18 | Dec 7 | Jan 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 |
| 32°F | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 27 |
| 28°F | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 13 |
| 24°F | Nov 18 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 24 | Jan 1 |
| 20°F | Dec 3 | Dec 10 | Dec 17 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 11 | Jan 20 |
| 16°F | Dec 18 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 10 | Jan 15 | Jan 19 | Jan 25 | Feb 3 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Salisbury 2N, Md, about 10.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 20 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Laurel, DE?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Laurel, DE is about Apr 2. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 16.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Laurel, DE typically arrives about Nov 10. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Apr 2 on average, or Mar 16 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 222 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 19956 Planting calendar → Delaware frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026