Last spring frost
May 13
Frost Dates for Bayard, WV
First fall frost
Oct 3
Growing season
140 days
Hardiness zone
6a
In an average year around Bayard, WV, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 13 and the first fall frost is about Oct 3, giving roughly a 140-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 27 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) | Jun 10 | May 26 | May 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 30 | May 13 | Apr 27 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 20 | Apr 30 | Apr 15 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 5 | Apr 17 | Mar 30 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 10 | Jun 4 | May 31 | May 29 | May 26 | May 22 | May 19 | May 14 | May 9 |
| 32°F | May 30 | May 26 | May 21 | May 18 | May 13 | May 10 | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 27 |
| 28°F | May 20 | May 12 | May 8 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 15 |
| 24°F | May 5 | Apr 29 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Mar 30 |
| 20°F | Apr 17 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 24 | Mar 18 |
| 16°F | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 5 |
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 10 | Sep 24 | Oct 5 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 19 | Oct 3 | Oct 17 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 29 | Oct 14 | Oct 29 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 11 | Oct 28 | Nov 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 10 | Sep 14 | Sep 18 | Sep 21 | Sep 24 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 5 |
| 32°F | Sep 19 | Sep 24 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 17 |
| 28°F | Sep 29 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 29 |
| 24°F | Oct 11 | Oct 17 | Oct 22 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 |
| 20°F | Oct 23 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 22 |
| 16°F | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 4 |
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: Bayard, Wv, about 7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,412 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 Bayard, WV?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Bayard, WV is about May 13. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 27.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Bayard, WV typically arrives about Oct 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 May 13 on average, or Apr 27 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 140 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 26739 Planting calendar → West Virginia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026