Last spring frost
Apr 3
Frost Dates for Salem, OR
First fall frost
Nov 1
Growing season
212 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Salem, OR, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 3 and the first fall frost is about Nov 1, giving roughly a 212-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 10 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 16 | Apr 30 | Apr 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 27 | Apr 3 | Mar 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 30 | Mar 2 | Jan 31 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 27 | Jan 27 | Dec 18 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 16 | May 9 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 25 | Apr 20 | Apr 14 |
| 32°F | Apr 27 | Apr 19 | Apr 13 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 20 | Mar 10 |
| 28°F | Mar 30 | Mar 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 25 | Feb 20 | Feb 15 | Jan 31 |
| 24°F | Feb 27 | Feb 20 | Feb 14 | Feb 5 | Jan 27 | Jan 18 | Jan 7 | Jan 1 | Dec 18 |
| 20°F | Feb 15 | Feb 1 | Jan 18 | Jan 6 | Dec 31 | Dec 25 | Dec 17 | Dec 11 | Dec 2 |
| 16°F | Feb 13 | Jan 17 | Jan 2 | Dec 30 | Dec 25 | Dec 21 | Dec 14 | Dec 11 | Dec 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) | Oct 2 | Oct 18 | Nov 2 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 16 | Nov 1 | Nov 23 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 30 | Nov 22 | Dec 17 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 12 | Dec 10 | Jan 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 2 | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Nov 2 |
| 32°F | Oct 16 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 16 | Nov 23 |
| 28°F | Oct 30 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 8 | Dec 17 |
| 24°F | Nov 12 | Nov 23 | Nov 29 | Dec 4 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 23 | Dec 31 | Jan 16 |
| 20°F | Nov 27 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 19 | Dec 25 | Dec 30 | Jan 6 | Jan 30 |
| 16°F | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 12 | Dec 17 | Dec 21 | Dec 28 | Dec 30 | Jan 9 | Feb 11 |
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: Salem Mcnary Fld, Or, about 4.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 205 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, OR?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Salem, OR is about Apr 3. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 10.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Salem, OR typically arrives about Nov 1. 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 3 on average, or Mar 10 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 212 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 97317 Planting calendar → Oregon frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026