Last spring frost
Apr 12
Frost Dates for Courtland, VA
First fall frost
Oct 30
Growing season
200 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Courtland, VA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 12 and the first fall frost is about Oct 30, giving roughly a 200-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 28 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 13 | Apr 26 | Apr 10 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 29 | Apr 12 | Mar 28 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 14 | Mar 31 | Mar 15 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 4 | Mar 19 | Feb 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 13 | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 10 |
| 32°F | Apr 29 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 |
| 28°F | Apr 14 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 |
| 24°F | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Feb 26 |
| 20°F | Mar 24 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 14 | Feb 5 |
| 16°F | Mar 13 | Mar 5 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 16 | Feb 9 | Feb 4 | Jan 30 | Jan 21 |
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 7 | Oct 21 | Nov 2 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 16 | Oct 30 | Nov 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 27 | Nov 9 | Nov 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 8 | Nov 24 | Dec 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 7 | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 |
| 32°F | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 |
| 28°F | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 28 |
| 24°F | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 13 |
| 20°F | Nov 19 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Dec 29 | Jan 4 |
| 16°F | Dec 4 | Dec 12 | Dec 19 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 9 | Jan 15 | Jan 26 |
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: Wakefield 1Nw, Va, about 16.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 113 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 Courtland, VA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Courtland, VA is about Apr 12. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 28.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Courtland, VA typically arrives about Oct 30. 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 12 on average, or Mar 28 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 200 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 23837 Planting calendar → Virginia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026