Last spring frost
Apr 1
Frost Dates for Newport News, VA
First fall frost
Nov 9
Growing season
221 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Newport News, VA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 1 and the first fall frost is about Nov 9, giving roughly a 221-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 18 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 15 | Mar 31 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 18 | Apr 1 | Mar 18 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 4 | Mar 20 | Mar 2 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 25 | Mar 6 | Feb 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 3 | Apr 27 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 |
| 32°F | Apr 18 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 |
| 28°F | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 2 |
| 24°F | Mar 25 | Mar 19 | Mar 14 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 13 |
| 20°F | Mar 12 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 13 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 23 |
| 16°F | Feb 28 | Feb 20 | Feb 12 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 28 | Jan 22 | Jan 15 | Jan 3 |
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 20 | Oct 31 | Nov 11 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 9 | Nov 25 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 5 | Nov 20 | Dec 8 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 15 | Dec 4 | Jan 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 |
| 32°F | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 25 |
| 28°F | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 |
| 24°F | Nov 15 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 24 | Jan 1 |
| 20°F | Dec 1 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 | Dec 20 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 11 | Jan 21 |
| 16°F | Dec 14 | Dec 24 | Dec 30 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 12 | Jan 18 | Jan 26 | 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: Newport News Intl Ap, Va, about 5.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 42 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 Newport News, VA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Newport News, VA is about Apr 1. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 18.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Newport News, VA typically arrives about Nov 9. 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 1 on average, or Mar 18 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 221 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 23603 Planting calendar → Virginia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026