Last spring frost
Apr 4
Frost Dates for Franktown, VA
First fall frost
Nov 7
Growing season
216 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Franktown, VA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 4 and the first fall frost is about Nov 7, giving roughly a 216-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 21 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 3 | Apr 18 | Apr 3 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 19 | Apr 4 | Mar 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 5 | Mar 23 | Mar 6 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 26 | Mar 10 | Feb 20 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 3 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 3 |
| 32°F | Apr 19 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 21 |
| 28°F | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 6 |
| 24°F | Mar 26 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 20 |
| 20°F | Mar 14 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 23 | Feb 18 | Feb 12 | Feb 6 | Jan 30 |
| 16°F | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 | Feb 10 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 28 | Jan 19 | Jan 9 |
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 15 | Oct 28 | Nov 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 26 | Nov 7 | Nov 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 5 | Nov 20 | Dec 6 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 15 | Dec 4 | Dec 29 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 15 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 |
| 32°F | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 |
| 28°F | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 |
| 24°F | Nov 15 | Nov 21 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Dec 29 |
| 20°F | Dec 2 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 10 | Jan 19 |
| 16°F | Dec 18 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 9 | Jan 13 | Jan 19 | Jan 26 | Feb 3 |
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: Painter 2 W, Va, about 7.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 30 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 Apr 4. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 21.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Franktown, VA typically arrives about Nov 7. 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 4 on average, or Mar 21 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 216 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 23398 Planting calendar → Virginia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026