Last spring frost
Apr 2
Frost Dates for Middletown, MD
First fall frost
Nov 6
Growing season
218 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Middletown, MD, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 2 and the first fall frost is about Nov 6, giving roughly a 218-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 17 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 2 | Apr 15 | Mar 31 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 15 | Apr 2 | Mar 17 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 4 | Mar 21 | Mar 3 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 26 | Mar 9 | Feb 20 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 2 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 |
| 32°F | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 17 |
| 28°F | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 3 |
| 24°F | Mar 26 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 9 | Mar 6 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 20 |
| 20°F | Mar 17 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 | Feb 9 | Feb 2 |
| 16°F | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 | Feb 10 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 24 | Jan 14 |
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 9 | Oct 24 | Nov 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 23 | Nov 6 | Nov 24 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 6 | Nov 21 | Dec 11 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 14 | Dec 7 | Dec 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 9 | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 6 |
| 32°F | Oct 23 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 24 |
| 28°F | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 |
| 24°F | Nov 14 | Nov 23 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 28 |
| 20°F | Dec 1 | Dec 9 | Dec 14 | Dec 20 | Dec 24 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 15 |
| 16°F | Dec 15 | Dec 23 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 10 | Jan 15 | Jan 20 | Jan 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: Frederick Police Brks, Md, about 7.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 380 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 Middletown, MD?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Middletown, MD is about Apr 2. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 17.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Middletown, MD typically arrives about Nov 6. 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 2 on average, or Mar 17 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 218 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 21769 Planting calendar → Maryland frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026