Last spring frost
Apr 16
Frost Dates for Waterford, VA
First fall frost
Oct 25
Growing season
189 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Waterford, VA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 16 and the first fall frost is about Oct 25, giving roughly a 189-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 31 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 20 | May 1 | Apr 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 7 | Apr 16 | Mar 31 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 17 | Apr 2 | Mar 20 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 5 | Mar 22 | Mar 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 20 | May 13 | May 9 | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 19 | Apr 14 |
| 32°F | May 7 | Apr 30 | Apr 24 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 |
| 28°F | Apr 17 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 20 |
| 24°F | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 22 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 |
| 20°F | Mar 25 | Mar 19 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 20 |
| 16°F | Mar 17 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 9 | 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) | Sep 29 | Oct 12 | Oct 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 7 | Oct 25 | Nov 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 21 | Nov 5 | Nov 20 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 3 | Nov 17 | Dec 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 29 | Oct 2 | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 |
| 32°F | Oct 7 | Oct 13 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 7 |
| 28°F | Oct 21 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 20 |
| 24°F | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 5 |
| 20°F | Nov 12 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 16 | Dec 23 |
| 16°F | Nov 26 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 22 | Dec 28 | Jan 2 | Jan 14 |
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: Purcellville, Va, about 6.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 510 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 Waterford, VA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Waterford, VA is about Apr 16. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 31.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Waterford, VA typically arrives about Oct 25. 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 16 on average, or Mar 31 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 189 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 20129 Planting calendar → Virginia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026