Last spring frost
Mar 29
Frost Dates for Fishing Creek, MD
First fall frost
Nov 15
Growing season
230 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Fishing Creek, MD, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 29 and the first fall frost is about Nov 15, giving roughly a 230-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 15 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 24 | Apr 9 | Mar 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 10 | Mar 29 | Mar 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 1 | Mar 18 | Feb 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 22 | Mar 6 | Feb 14 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 24 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 |
| 32°F | Apr 10 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 27 | Mar 24 | Mar 21 | Mar 15 |
| 28°F | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Feb 28 |
| 24°F | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 14 |
| 20°F | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 14 | Feb 9 | Feb 3 | Jan 28 |
| 16°F | Mar 2 | Feb 23 | Feb 14 | Feb 8 | Feb 3 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 18 | Jan 6 |
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 21 | Nov 2 | Nov 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 15 | Dec 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 10 | Nov 29 | Dec 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 25 | Dec 13 | Jan 3 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 21 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 |
| 32°F | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 |
| 28°F | Nov 10 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 18 |
| 24°F | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 23 | Dec 28 | Jan 3 |
| 20°F | Dec 5 | Dec 12 | Dec 19 | Dec 24 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 12 | Jan 24 |
| 16°F | Dec 17 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 9 | Jan 15 | Jan 21 | Jan 27 | Feb 5 |
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: Patuxent River Nas, Md, about 16 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 39 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 Fishing Creek, MD?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Fishing Creek, MD is about Mar 29. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 15.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Fishing Creek, MD typically arrives about Nov 15. 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 29 on average, or Mar 15 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 230 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 21622 Planting calendar → Maryland frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026