Last spring frost
Apr 17
Frost Dates for Chesapeake Beach, MD
First fall frost
Oct 27
Growing season
195 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Chesapeake Beach, MD, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 17 and the first fall frost is about Oct 27, giving roughly a 195-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 15 | Apr 30 | Apr 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 2 | Apr 17 | Mar 31 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 17 | Apr 2 | Mar 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 4 | Mar 21 | Mar 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 15 | May 10 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 15 |
| 32°F | May 2 | Apr 27 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 |
| 28°F | Apr 17 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 25 | Mar 19 |
| 24°F | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 2 |
| 20°F | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Mar 2 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 |
| 16°F | Mar 16 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 14 | Feb 8 | Feb 1 |
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 31 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 12 | Oct 27 | Nov 9 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 24 | Nov 6 | Nov 23 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 3 | Nov 20 | Dec 8 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 3 | Oct 7 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 31 |
| 32°F | Oct 12 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 |
| 28°F | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 23 |
| 24°F | Nov 3 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 |
| 20°F | Nov 14 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 | Dec 29 |
| 16°F | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 15 | Dec 20 | Dec 26 | Dec 30 | Jan 5 | 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: Mechanicsville 5 Ne, Md, about 15 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 100 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 Chesapeake Beach, MD?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Chesapeake Beach, MD is about Apr 17. 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 Chesapeake Beach, MD typically arrives about Oct 27. 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 17 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 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 20732 Planting calendar → Maryland frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026