Last spring frost
Apr 10
Frost Dates for Laurel, VA
First fall frost
Oct 31
Growing season
202 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Laurel, VA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 10 and the first fall frost is about Oct 31, giving roughly a 202-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 27 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 10 | Apr 23 | Apr 8 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 29 | Apr 10 | Mar 27 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 11 | Mar 28 | Mar 12 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 31 | Mar 16 | Feb 25 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 10 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 8 |
| 32°F | Apr 29 | Apr 21 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 |
| 28°F | Apr 11 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 12 |
| 24°F | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 25 |
| 20°F | Mar 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 8 |
| 16°F | Mar 12 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 11 | Feb 4 | Jan 30 | Jan 19 |
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 8 | Oct 21 | Nov 2 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 17 | Oct 31 | Nov 13 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 29 | Nov 11 | Nov 30 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 7 | Nov 25 | Dec 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 2 |
| 32°F | Oct 17 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 |
| 28°F | Oct 29 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 30 |
| 24°F | Nov 7 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 16 |
| 20°F | Nov 21 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 14 | Dec 21 | Dec 29 | Jan 5 |
| 16°F | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 | Dec 23 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 | Jan 13 | Jan 21 |
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: Ashland Hanover Co Muni Ap, Va, about 7.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 205 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 Laurel, VA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Laurel, VA is about Apr 10. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 27.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Laurel, VA typically arrives about Oct 31. 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 10 on average, or Mar 27 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 202 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 23294 Planting calendar → Virginia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026