Last spring frost
Apr 10
Frost Dates for Bel Air South, MD
First fall frost
Oct 30
Growing season
201 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Bel Air South, MD, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 10 and the first fall frost is about Oct 30, giving roughly a 201-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 27 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 12 | Apr 27 | Apr 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 30 | Apr 10 | Mar 27 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 12 | Mar 29 | Mar 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 31 | Mar 18 | Feb 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 12 | May 7 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 9 |
| 32°F | Apr 30 | Apr 22 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 |
| 28°F | Apr 12 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 13 |
| 24°F | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 |
| 20°F | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 14 |
| 16°F | Mar 15 | Mar 9 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 23 | Feb 17 | Feb 10 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 |
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 5 | Oct 19 | Nov 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 14 | Oct 30 | Nov 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 28 | Nov 10 | Nov 27 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 6 | Nov 24 | Dec 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 5 | Oct 11 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 |
| 32°F | Oct 14 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 12 |
| 28°F | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 27 |
| 24°F | Nov 6 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 13 |
| 20°F | Nov 18 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 12 | Dec 17 | Dec 25 | Jan 2 |
| 16°F | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 13 | Jan 21 |
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: Aberdeen Phillips Fld, Md, about 8.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 57 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 Bel Air South, MD?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Bel Air South, MD is about Apr 10. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 27.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Bel Air South, MD typically arrives about Oct 30. 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 10 on average, or Mar 27 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 201 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 21015 Planting calendar → Maryland frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026