Last spring frost
Mar 23
Frost Dates for Norfolk, VA
First fall frost
Nov 16
Growing season
239 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Norfolk, VA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 23 and the first fall frost is about Nov 16, giving roughly a 239-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 7 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 5 | Mar 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 23 | Mar 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 26 | Mar 10 | Feb 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 13 | Feb 24 | Jan 30 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 18 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 |
| 32°F | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 14 | Mar 7 |
| 28°F | Mar 26 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 | Feb 19 |
| 24°F | Mar 13 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Jan 30 |
| 20°F | Mar 1 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 | Feb 10 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 19 | Jan 10 |
| 16°F | Feb 16 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 29 | Jan 24 | Jan 19 | Jan 14 | Jan 8 | 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 27 | Nov 6 | Nov 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 4 | Nov 16 | Dec 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 14 | Dec 1 | Dec 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 1 | Dec 22 | Jan 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 |
| 32°F | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 |
| 28°F | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 7 | Dec 15 | Dec 25 |
| 24°F | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 17 | Dec 22 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 13 |
| 20°F | Dec 13 | Dec 22 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 10 | Jan 15 | Jan 21 | Jan 31 |
| 16°F | Dec 24 | Dec 31 | Jan 4 | Jan 9 | Jan 13 | Jan 17 | Jan 22 | Jan 28 | Feb 4 |
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: Norfolk S, Va, about 4.1 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 Norfolk, VA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Norfolk, VA is about Mar 23. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 7.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Norfolk, VA typically arrives about Nov 16. 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 23 on average, or Mar 7 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 239 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 23507 Planting calendar → Virginia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026