Last spring frost
May 1
Frost Dates for Shenandoah, VA
First fall frost
Oct 19
Growing season
169 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Shenandoah, VA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 1 and the first fall frost is about Oct 19, giving roughly a 169-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 16 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 30 | May 11 | Apr 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 19 | May 1 | Apr 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 12 | Apr 21 | Apr 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 30 | Apr 8 | Mar 23 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 30 | May 24 | May 19 | May 15 | May 11 | May 8 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 27 |
| 32°F | May 19 | May 12 | May 8 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 16 |
| 28°F | May 12 | May 5 | Apr 30 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 4 |
| 24°F | Apr 30 | Apr 20 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 23 |
| 20°F | Apr 15 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 11 |
| 16°F | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Feb 27 |
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) | Sep 24 | Oct 8 | Oct 23 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 3 | Oct 19 | Nov 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 13 | Oct 30 | Nov 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 26 | Nov 9 | Nov 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 24 | Sep 29 | Oct 2 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 |
| 32°F | Oct 3 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 2 |
| 28°F | Oct 13 | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 |
| 24°F | Oct 26 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 27 |
| 20°F | Nov 3 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 |
| 16°F | Nov 13 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 24 |
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: Big Meadows, Va, about 10.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 3,540 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 Shenandoah, VA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Shenandoah, VA is about May 1. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 16.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Shenandoah, VA typically arrives about Oct 19. 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 May 1 on average, or Apr 16 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 169 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 22849 Planting calendar → Virginia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026