Last spring frost
Mar 31
Frost Dates for Captains Cove, MD
First fall frost
Nov 11
Growing season
225 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Captains Cove, MD, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 31 and the first fall frost is about Nov 11, giving roughly a 225-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 1 | Apr 13 | Mar 31 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 13 | Mar 31 | Mar 17 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 2 | Mar 20 | Mar 2 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 23 | Mar 7 | Feb 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 1 | Apr 24 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 |
| 32°F | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 17 |
| 28°F | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 2 |
| 24°F | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 |
| 20°F | Mar 15 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 16 | Feb 11 | Feb 5 | Jan 29 |
| 16°F | Feb 28 | Feb 21 | Feb 13 | Feb 7 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 24 | Jan 18 | Jan 10 |
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 16 | Oct 31 | Nov 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 11 | Nov 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 8 | Nov 24 | Dec 11 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 17 | Dec 8 | Dec 30 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 16 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 |
| 32°F | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 |
| 28°F | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 |
| 24°F | Nov 17 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 12 | Dec 19 | Dec 24 | Dec 30 |
| 20°F | Dec 3 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 23 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 10 | Jan 17 |
| 16°F | Dec 17 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 9 | Jan 13 | Jan 17 | Jan 23 | Feb 1 |
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: Wallops Island Flight Fac, Va, about 7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 38 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 Captains Cove, MD?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Captains Cove, MD is about Mar 31. 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 Captains Cove, MD typically arrives about Nov 11. 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 31 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 225 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 21864 Planting calendar → Maryland frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026