Last spring frost
Apr 14
Frost Dates for Bowling Green, VA
First fall frost
Oct 27
Growing season
195 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Bowling Green, VA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 14 and the first fall frost is about Oct 27, giving roughly a 195-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 30 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 15 | Apr 28 | Apr 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 4 | Apr 14 | Mar 30 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 14 | Mar 31 | Mar 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 2 | Mar 19 | Feb 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 15 | May 9 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 |
| 32°F | May 4 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Mar 30 |
| 28°F | Apr 14 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 13 |
| 24°F | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 5 | Feb 27 |
| 20°F | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 13 |
| 16°F | Mar 14 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 12 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 |
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 4 | Oct 16 | Oct 29 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 13 | Oct 27 | Nov 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 25 | Nov 6 | Nov 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 4 | Nov 18 | Dec 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 4 | Oct 9 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 |
| 32°F | Oct 13 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 |
| 28°F | Oct 25 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 |
| 24°F | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 9 |
| 20°F | Nov 16 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 14 | Dec 21 | Dec 29 |
| 16°F | Dec 1 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Dec 24 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 16 |
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: Corbin, Va, about 10.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 220 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 Bowling Green, VA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Bowling Green, VA is about Apr 14. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 30.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Bowling Green, VA typically arrives about Oct 27. 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 14 on average, or Mar 30 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 195 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 22427 Planting calendar → Virginia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026