Last spring frost
Apr 28
Frost Dates for Salem, WV
First fall frost
Oct 21
Growing season
176 days
Hardiness zone
6b
In an average year around Salem, WV, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 28 and the first fall frost is about Oct 21, giving roughly a 176-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 14 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 24 | May 7 | Apr 23 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 16 | Apr 28 | Apr 14 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 5 | Apr 15 | Apr 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 17 | Apr 2 | Mar 18 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 24 | May 18 | May 14 | May 10 | May 7 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 |
| 32°F | May 16 | May 9 | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 19 | Apr 14 |
| 28°F | May 5 | Apr 26 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 1 |
| 24°F | Apr 17 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 18 |
| 20°F | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 3 |
| 16°F | Mar 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 15 |
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 11 | Oct 23 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 7 | Oct 21 | Oct 31 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 18 | Oct 30 | Nov 10 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 28 | Nov 8 | Nov 24 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 |
| 32°F | Oct 7 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 |
| 28°F | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 |
| 24°F | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 24 |
| 20°F | Nov 4 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 10 |
| 16°F | Nov 13 | Nov 19 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 |
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: W Union 2, Wv, about 10.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 806 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 Salem, WV?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Salem, WV is about Apr 28. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 14.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Salem, WV 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 28 on average, or Apr 14 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 176 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 26426 Planting calendar → West Virginia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026