Last spring frost
Apr 26
Frost Dates for Burkittsville, MD
First fall frost
Oct 18
Growing season
175 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Burkittsville, MD, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 26 and the first fall frost is about Oct 18, giving roughly a 175-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 11 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 24 | May 7 | Apr 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 15 | Apr 26 | Apr 11 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 29 | Apr 11 | Mar 29 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 12 | Mar 31 | Mar 14 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 24 | May 19 | May 14 | May 11 | May 7 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 22 |
| 32°F | May 15 | May 8 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 11 |
| 28°F | Apr 29 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 |
| 24°F | Apr 12 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 14 |
| 20°F | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 1 |
| 16°F | Mar 25 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 |
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 26 | Oct 9 | Oct 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 5 | Oct 18 | Nov 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 14 | Oct 30 | Nov 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 27 | Nov 10 | Nov 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 26 | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 22 |
| 32°F | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 |
| 28°F | Oct 14 | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 13 |
| 24°F | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 28 |
| 20°F | Nov 5 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 |
| 16°F | Nov 18 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 |
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: Sharpsburg 5 S, Md, about 5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 400 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 Burkittsville, MD?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Burkittsville, MD is about Apr 26. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 11.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Burkittsville, MD typically arrives about Oct 18. 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 26 on average, or Apr 11 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 175 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 21718 Planting calendar → Maryland frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026