Last spring frost
Apr 11
Frost Dates for St. James, MD
First fall frost
Oct 28
Growing season
199 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around St. James, MD, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 11 and the first fall frost is about Oct 28, giving roughly a 199-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 29 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 9 | Apr 23 | Apr 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 27 | Apr 11 | Mar 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 11 | Mar 31 | Mar 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 2 | Mar 17 | Feb 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 9 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 |
| 32°F | Apr 27 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 |
| 28°F | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 14 |
| 24°F | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 |
| 20°F | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 11 |
| 16°F | Mar 14 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 12 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 22 |
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 18 | Oct 31 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 14 | Oct 28 | Nov 11 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 26 | Nov 9 | Nov 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 6 | Nov 23 | Dec 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 |
| 32°F | Oct 14 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 11 |
| 28°F | Oct 26 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 25 |
| 24°F | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 11 |
| 20°F | Nov 20 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 18 | Dec 23 | Jan 1 |
| 16°F | Dec 4 | Dec 10 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 25 | Dec 31 | Jan 2 | Jan 10 | Jan 18 |
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: Hagerstown 1 E, Md, about 7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 532 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 St. James, MD?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around St. James, MD is about Apr 11. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 29.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around St. James, MD typically arrives about Oct 28. 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 11 on average, or Mar 29 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 199 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 21733 Planting calendar → Maryland frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026