Last spring frost
Apr 2
Frost Dates for Esmont, VA
First fall frost
Nov 8
Growing season
221 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Esmont, VA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 2 and the first fall frost is about Nov 8, giving roughly a 221-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 19 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 3 | Apr 13 | Mar 30 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 16 | Apr 2 | Mar 19 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 24 | Mar 8 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 28 | Mar 13 | Feb 18 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 3 | Apr 25 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 |
| 32°F | Apr 16 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 19 |
| 28°F | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 14 | Mar 8 |
| 24°F | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 18 |
| 20°F | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 9 | Jan 31 |
| 16°F | Mar 12 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 | Feb 19 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 23 | 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 16 | Oct 29 | Nov 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 28 | Nov 8 | Nov 25 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 6 | Nov 20 | Dec 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 14 | Dec 4 | Dec 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 12 |
| 32°F | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 25 |
| 28°F | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 9 |
| 24°F | Nov 14 | Nov 21 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 27 |
| 20°F | Nov 30 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 15 | Dec 20 | Dec 25 | Dec 30 | Jan 4 | Jan 12 |
| 16°F | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Dec 25 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 8 | Jan 13 | Jan 18 | Jan 26 |
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: Charlottesville 2 Sse, Va, about 15 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,177 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 Esmont, VA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Esmont, VA is about Apr 2. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 19.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Esmont, VA typically arrives about Nov 8. 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 19 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 221 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 22937 Planting calendar → Virginia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026