Last spring frost
Apr 8
Frost Dates for Montvale, VA
First fall frost
Oct 31
Growing season
205 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Montvale, VA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 8 and the first fall frost is about Oct 31, giving roughly a 205-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 26 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 11 | Apr 22 | Apr 8 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 23 | Apr 8 | Mar 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 10 | Mar 28 | Mar 10 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 31 | Mar 16 | Feb 25 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 11 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 8 |
| 32°F | Apr 23 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 |
| 28°F | Apr 10 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 10 |
| 24°F | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 |
| 20°F | Mar 22 | Mar 16 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 8 |
| 16°F | Mar 14 | Mar 5 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 13 | Feb 8 | Feb 4 | Jan 30 | Jan 20 |
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 9 | Oct 23 | Nov 2 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 18 | Oct 31 | Nov 11 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 28 | Nov 8 | Nov 24 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 5 | Nov 19 | Dec 8 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 9 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 |
| 32°F | Oct 18 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 |
| 28°F | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 24 |
| 24°F | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 |
| 20°F | Nov 16 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 14 | Dec 21 | Dec 30 |
| 16°F | Dec 2 | Dec 10 | Dec 16 | Dec 22 | Dec 27 | Dec 31 | Jan 5 | Jan 13 | Jan 21 |
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: Buchanan, Va, about 6.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 880 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 Montvale, VA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Montvale, VA is about Apr 8. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 26.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Montvale, VA typically arrives about Oct 31. 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 8 on average, or Mar 26 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 205 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 24122 Planting calendar → Virginia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026