Last spring frost
Apr 24
Frost Dates for Ridgeway, VA
First fall frost
Oct 21
Growing season
179 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Ridgeway, VA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 24 and the first fall frost is about Oct 21, giving roughly a 179-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 11 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 20 | May 5 | Apr 21 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 11 | Apr 24 | Apr 11 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 29 | Apr 13 | Mar 31 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 16 | Mar 31 | Mar 14 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 20 | May 15 | May 11 | May 8 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 21 |
| 32°F | May 11 | May 6 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 |
| 28°F | Apr 29 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 |
| 24°F | Apr 16 | Apr 11 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 14 |
| 20°F | Apr 4 | Mar 30 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 4 | Feb 25 |
| 16°F | Mar 23 | Mar 16 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 12 | Feb 4 |
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) | Sep 30 | Oct 12 | Oct 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 9 | Oct 21 | Nov 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 16 | Oct 30 | Nov 11 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 27 | Nov 8 | Nov 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 30 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 10 | Oct 12 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 26 |
| 32°F | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 |
| 28°F | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 |
| 24°F | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 26 |
| 20°F | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 |
| 16°F | Nov 16 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 15 | Dec 23 | Jan 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: Martinsville Fltr Plt, Va, about 8.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 780 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 Ridgeway, VA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Ridgeway, VA is about Apr 24. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 11.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Ridgeway, VA typically arrives about Oct 21. 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 24 on average, or Apr 11 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 179 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 24148 Planting calendar → Virginia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026