Last spring frost
Apr 8
Frost Dates for Tappahannock, VA
First fall frost
Oct 30
Growing season
204 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Tappahannock, VA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 8 and the first fall frost is about Oct 30, giving roughly a 204-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 26 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 7 | Apr 22 | Apr 7 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 23 | Apr 8 | Mar 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 10 | Mar 29 | Mar 12 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 31 | Mar 17 | Feb 25 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 7 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 7 |
| 32°F | Apr 23 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 |
| 28°F | Apr 10 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 12 |
| 24°F | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 |
| 20°F | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 8 |
| 16°F | Mar 12 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 20 |
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 7 | Oct 20 | Nov 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 15 | Oct 30 | Nov 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 28 | Nov 10 | Nov 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 6 | Nov 24 | Dec 15 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 |
| 32°F | Oct 15 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 |
| 28°F | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 28 |
| 24°F | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 15 |
| 20°F | Nov 17 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 15 | Dec 21 | Dec 26 | Jan 4 |
| 16°F | Dec 3 | Dec 11 | Dec 20 | Dec 25 | Dec 30 | Jan 2 | Jan 8 | Jan 14 | Jan 22 |
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: Warsaw 2 Nw, Va, about 11.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 140 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 Tappahannock, VA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Tappahannock, VA is about Apr 8. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 26.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Tappahannock, VA typically arrives about Oct 30. 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 8 on average, or Mar 26 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 204 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 22560 Planting calendar → Virginia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026