Last spring frost
Mar 23
Frost Dates for Cape St. Claire, MD
First fall frost
Nov 20
Growing season
241 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Cape St. Claire, MD, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 23 and the first fall frost is about Nov 20, giving roughly a 241-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 8 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 20 | Apr 5 | Mar 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 23 | Mar 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 28 | Mar 12 | Feb 24 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 19 | Mar 1 | Feb 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 22 |
| 32°F | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 |
| 28°F | Mar 28 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 |
| 24°F | Mar 19 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 22 | Feb 16 | Feb 9 |
| 20°F | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 14 | Feb 9 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 19 |
| 16°F | Feb 25 | Feb 16 | Feb 8 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 19 | Jan 14 | Jan 3 |
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 25 | Nov 6 | Nov 21 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 4 | Nov 20 | Dec 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 16 | Dec 3 | Dec 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 30 | Dec 18 | Jan 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 25 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 |
| 32°F | Nov 4 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 |
| 28°F | Nov 16 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 22 |
| 24°F | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 21 | Dec 25 | Dec 31 | Jan 9 |
| 20°F | Dec 10 | Dec 18 | Dec 22 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 4 | Jan 10 | Jan 16 | Jan 26 |
| 16°F | Dec 21 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 10 | Jan 15 | Jan 18 | Jan 26 | Feb 4 |
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: Annapolis Naf, Md, about 2.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 8 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 Cape St. Claire, MD?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Cape St. Claire, MD is about Mar 23. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 8.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Cape St. Claire, MD typically arrives about Nov 20. 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 Mar 23 on average, or Mar 8 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 241 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 21409 Planting calendar → Maryland frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026