Last spring frost
Mar 29
Frost Dates for Virginia Beach, VA
First fall frost
Nov 12
Growing season
230 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Virginia Beach, VA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 29 and the first fall frost is about Nov 12, giving roughly a 230-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 13 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 27 | Apr 11 | Mar 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 11 | Mar 29 | Mar 13 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 31 | Mar 14 | Feb 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 19 | Mar 1 | Feb 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 27 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 |
| 32°F | Apr 11 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 |
| 28°F | Mar 31 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 |
| 24°F | Mar 19 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 14 | Feb 6 |
| 20°F | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 9 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 13 |
| 16°F | Feb 18 | Feb 9 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 22 | 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 22 | Nov 2 | Nov 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 12 | Nov 30 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 9 | Nov 25 | Dec 17 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 22 | Dec 14 | Jan 8 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 22 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 |
| 32°F | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 30 |
| 28°F | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 17 |
| 24°F | Nov 22 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 | Dec 20 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 |
| 20°F | Dec 4 | Dec 13 | Dec 22 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 10 | Jan 15 | Jan 27 |
| 16°F | Dec 20 | Dec 29 | Jan 3 | Jan 7 | Jan 11 | Jan 15 | Jan 20 | 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: Oceana Nas, Va, about 3.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 23 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 Virginia Beach, VA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Virginia Beach, VA is about Mar 29. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 13.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Virginia Beach, VA typically arrives about Nov 12. 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 29 on average, or Mar 13 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 230 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 23454 Planting calendar → Virginia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026