Last spring frost
Mar 27
Frost Dates for Suffolk, VA
First fall frost
Nov 15
Growing season
233 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Suffolk, VA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 27 and the first fall frost is about Nov 15, giving roughly a 233-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 20 | Apr 6 | Mar 23 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 9 | Mar 27 | Mar 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 30 | Mar 15 | Feb 24 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 19 | Feb 28 | Feb 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 20 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 23 |
| 32°F | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 10 |
| 28°F | Mar 30 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 24 |
| 24°F | Mar 19 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 11 | Feb 2 |
| 20°F | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 25 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 25 | Jan 16 |
| 16°F | Feb 24 | Feb 14 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 29 | Jan 24 | Jan 18 | Jan 11 | Jan 4 |
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 3 | Nov 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 15 | Dec 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 11 | Dec 1 | Dec 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 28 | Dec 18 | Jan 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 |
| 32°F | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 |
| 28°F | Nov 11 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 22 |
| 24°F | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 18 | Dec 24 | Dec 29 | Jan 3 | Jan 12 |
| 20°F | Dec 10 | Dec 19 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 7 | Jan 13 | Jan 18 | Jan 29 |
| 16°F | Dec 23 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 7 | Jan 12 | Jan 17 | Jan 22 | Jan 27 | Feb 2 |
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: Suffolk Lake Kilby, Va, about 10.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 22 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 Suffolk, VA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Suffolk, VA is about Mar 27. 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 Suffolk, VA typically arrives about Nov 15. 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 27 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 233 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 23435 Planting calendar → Virginia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026