Last spring frost
Mar 16
Frost Dates for Donald, OR
First fall frost
Nov 14
Growing season
242 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Donald, OR, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 16 and the first fall frost is about Nov 14, giving roughly a 242-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 21 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 4 | Apr 15 | Mar 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 7 | Mar 16 | Feb 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 8 | Feb 15 | Jan 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 18 | Jan 12 | Dec 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 4 | Apr 29 | Apr 24 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 27 |
| 32°F | Apr 7 | Mar 31 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 21 |
| 28°F | Mar 8 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 19 | Feb 15 | Feb 8 | Jan 31 | Jan 19 | Jan 4 |
| 24°F | Feb 18 | Feb 9 | Feb 1 | Jan 22 | Jan 12 | Jan 3 | Dec 27 | Dec 15 | Dec 6 |
| 20°F | Feb 7 | Jan 23 | Jan 6 | Dec 30 | Dec 25 | Dec 17 | Dec 13 | Dec 7 | Dec 2 |
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 26 | Nov 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 27 | Nov 14 | Dec 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 9 | Dec 1 | Dec 30 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 21 | Dec 17 | Jan 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 9 | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 7 | Nov 14 |
| 32°F | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 29 | Dec 6 |
| 28°F | Nov 9 | Nov 16 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 20 | Dec 30 |
| 24°F | Nov 21 | Nov 29 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Dec 30 | Jan 7 | Jan 26 |
| 20°F | Nov 27 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Dec 28 | Jan 6 | Jan 29 |
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: Aurora State Ap, Or, about 3.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 196 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 Donald, OR?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Donald, OR is about Mar 16. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 21.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Donald, OR typically arrives about Nov 14. 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 Mar 16 on average, or Feb 21 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 242 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 97020 Planting calendar → Oregon frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026