Last spring frost
Mar 31
Frost Dates for Scotland, VA
First fall frost
Nov 10
Growing season
225 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Scotland, VA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 31 and the first fall frost is about Nov 10, giving roughly a 225-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 15 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 1 | Apr 12 | Mar 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 14 | Mar 31 | Mar 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 4 | Mar 20 | Feb 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 23 | Mar 5 | Feb 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 1 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 28 |
| 32°F | Apr 14 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 15 |
| 28°F | Apr 4 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 |
| 24°F | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 11 |
| 20°F | Mar 13 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 19 | Feb 13 | Feb 7 | Feb 2 | Jan 23 |
| 16°F | Mar 2 | Feb 22 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 23 | Jan 17 | Jan 8 |
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 21 | Nov 1 | Nov 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 29 | Nov 10 | Nov 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 7 | Nov 23 | Dec 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 18 | Dec 8 | Jan 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 |
| 32°F | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 |
| 28°F | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 13 |
| 24°F | Nov 18 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 20 | Dec 27 | Jan 2 |
| 20°F | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 18 | Dec 25 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 13 | Jan 22 |
| 16°F | Dec 16 | Dec 25 | Dec 31 | Jan 5 | Jan 10 | Jan 14 | Jan 18 | Jan 24 | Feb 1 |
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: Williamsburg 2 N, Va, about 7.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 70 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 Scotland, VA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Scotland, VA is about Mar 31. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 15.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Scotland, VA typically arrives about Nov 10. 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 Mar 31 on average, or Mar 15 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 225 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 23081 Planting calendar → Virginia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026