Last spring frost
Apr 19
Frost Dates for Free Union, VA
First fall frost
Oct 24
Growing season
186 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Free Union, VA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 19 and the first fall frost is about Oct 24, giving roughly a 186-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 5 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 17 | Apr 30 | Apr 17 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 5 | Apr 19 | Apr 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 21 | Apr 7 | Mar 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 9 | Mar 28 | Mar 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 17 | May 11 | May 6 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 |
| 32°F | May 5 | Apr 30 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 5 |
| 28°F | Apr 21 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 7 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 25 |
| 24°F | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 11 |
| 20°F | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 |
| 16°F | Mar 22 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 17 | Feb 7 |
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 3 | Oct 14 | Oct 29 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 10 | Oct 24 | Nov 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 19 | Nov 1 | Nov 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 30 | Nov 12 | Nov 30 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 29 |
| 32°F | Oct 10 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 |
| 28°F | Oct 19 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 |
| 24°F | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 30 |
| 20°F | Nov 9 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 16 |
| 16°F | Nov 21 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Dec 24 | Dec 30 | Jan 6 |
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: Free Union, Va, about 8.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 590 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 Free Union, VA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Free Union, VA is about Apr 19. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 5.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Free Union, VA typically arrives about Oct 24. 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 19 on average, or Apr 5 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 186 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 22940 Planting calendar → Virginia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026