Last spring frost
Apr 3
Frost Dates for Petersburg, VA
First fall frost
Nov 3
Growing season
216 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Petersburg, VA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 3 and the first fall frost is about Nov 3, giving roughly a 216-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 20 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 4 | Apr 16 | Apr 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 17 | Apr 3 | Mar 20 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 5 | Mar 20 | Mar 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 24 | Mar 8 | Feb 19 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 4 | Apr 27 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 |
| 32°F | Apr 17 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 |
| 28°F | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 14 | Mar 11 | Mar 5 |
| 24°F | Mar 24 | Mar 17 | Mar 14 | Mar 11 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 19 |
| 20°F | Mar 14 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 12 | Feb 5 | Jan 30 |
| 16°F | Mar 2 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 12 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 29 | Jan 20 | 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 13 | Oct 26 | Nov 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 21 | Nov 3 | Nov 18 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 16 | Dec 3 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 12 | Dec 1 | Dec 23 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 13 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 |
| 32°F | Oct 21 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 |
| 28°F | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 |
| 24°F | Nov 12 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 23 |
| 20°F | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 25 | Dec 31 | Jan 5 | Jan 14 |
| 16°F | Dec 11 | Dec 21 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 11 | Jan 16 | Jan 23 | Feb 1 |
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: Petersburg, Va, about 7.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 19 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 Petersburg, VA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Petersburg, VA is about Apr 3. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 20.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Petersburg, VA typically arrives about Nov 3. 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 3 on average, or Mar 20 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 23805 Planting calendar → Virginia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026