Last spring frost
Apr 13
Frost Dates for Stone Ridge, VA
First fall frost
Oct 26
Growing season
195 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Stone Ridge, VA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 13 and the first fall frost is about Oct 26, giving roughly a 195-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 29 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) | May 16 | Apr 28 | Apr 10 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 1 | Apr 13 | Mar 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 14 | Mar 31 | Mar 15 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 3 | Mar 20 | Mar 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 16 | May 9 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 10 |
| 32°F | May 1 | Apr 24 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 |
| 28°F | Apr 14 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 21 | Mar 15 |
| 24°F | Apr 3 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 2 |
| 20°F | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 16 |
| 16°F | Mar 17 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 20 | Feb 14 | Feb 7 | Feb 2 |
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 3 | Oct 16 | Oct 30 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 11 | Oct 26 | Nov 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 22 | Nov 4 | Nov 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 3 | Nov 17 | Dec 7 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 30 |
| 32°F | Oct 11 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 |
| 28°F | Oct 22 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 22 |
| 24°F | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 7 |
| 20°F | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 23 |
| 16°F | Nov 27 | Dec 3 | Dec 9 | Dec 15 | Dec 20 | Dec 25 | Dec 30 | Jan 4 | Jan 16 |
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: Wfo Sterling, Va, about 6.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 288 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 Stone Ridge, VA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Stone Ridge, VA is about Apr 13. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 29.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Stone Ridge, VA typically arrives about Oct 26. 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 13 on average, or Mar 29 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 195 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 20105 Planting calendar → Virginia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026