Last spring frost
Mar 28
Frost Dates for Cheriton, VA
First fall frost
Nov 17
Growing season
234 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Cheriton, VA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 28 and the first fall frost is about Nov 17, giving roughly a 234-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 10 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) | Apr 25 | Apr 9 | Mar 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 10 | Mar 28 | Mar 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 31 | Mar 15 | Feb 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 18 | Mar 1 | Feb 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 25 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 25 |
| 32°F | Apr 10 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 10 |
| 28°F | Mar 31 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 |
| 24°F | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 22 | Feb 14 | Feb 5 |
| 20°F | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 16 | Feb 10 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 23 | Jan 11 |
| 16°F | Feb 21 | Feb 10 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 16 | Jan 10 | Jan 1 |
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 23 | Nov 5 | Nov 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 4 | Nov 17 | Dec 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 13 | Dec 2 | Dec 23 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 1 | Dec 20 | Jan 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 23 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 |
| 32°F | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 4 |
| 28°F | Nov 13 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 23 |
| 24°F | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 20 | Dec 24 | Dec 29 | Jan 4 | Jan 11 |
| 20°F | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Dec 26 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 8 | Jan 13 | Jan 19 | Jan 29 |
| 16°F | Dec 22 | Dec 29 | Jan 3 | Jan 8 | Jan 13 | Jan 17 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | Feb 5 |
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: Cape Charles 5 Ene, Va, about 2.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 29 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 Cheriton, VA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Cheriton, VA is about Mar 28. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 10.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Cheriton, VA typically arrives about Nov 17. 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 28 on average, or Mar 10 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 234 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 23316 Planting calendar → Virginia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026