Last spring frost
Mar 26
Frost Dates for Franktown, VA
First fall frost
Nov 20
Growing season
240 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Franktown, VA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 26 and the first fall frost is about Nov 20, giving roughly a 240-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 11 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 18 | Apr 4 | Mar 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 26 | Mar 11 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 27 | Mar 15 | Feb 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 19 | Mar 4 | Feb 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 18 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 |
| 32°F | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 28 | Mar 26 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 11 |
| 28°F | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 |
| 24°F | Mar 19 | Mar 14 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 9 |
| 20°F | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 17 | Feb 10 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 21 |
| 16°F | Feb 26 | Feb 16 | Feb 9 | Feb 3 | Jan 31 | Jan 28 | Jan 22 | Jan 16 | 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) | Nov 1 | Nov 10 | Nov 23 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 7 | Nov 20 | Dec 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 17 | Dec 4 | Dec 24 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 3 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 8 | Nov 10 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 |
| 32°F | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 |
| 28°F | Nov 17 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 18 | Dec 24 |
| 24°F | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 19 | Dec 24 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 14 |
| 20°F | Dec 14 | Dec 23 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 9 | Jan 15 | Jan 23 | Feb 2 |
| 16°F | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 10 | Jan 14 | Jan 19 | Jan 24 | Jan 29 | Feb 8 |
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: Eastville, Va, about 7.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 10 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 Franktown, VA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Franktown, VA is about Mar 26. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 11.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Franktown, VA typically arrives about Nov 20. 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 26 on average, or Mar 11 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 240 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 23354 Planting calendar → Virginia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026