Last spring frost
Mar 9
Frost Dates for Gates, OR
First fall frost
Dec 3
Growing season
270 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Gates, OR, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 9 and the first fall frost is about Dec 3, giving roughly a 270-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 2 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 12 | Apr 17 | Mar 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 8 | Mar 9 | Feb 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 8 | Feb 5 | Dec 23 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 24 | Jan 16 | Dec 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 12 | May 4 | Apr 29 | Apr 22 | Apr 17 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 2 | Mar 26 |
| 32°F | Apr 8 | Mar 31 | Mar 23 | Mar 15 | Mar 9 | Mar 3 | Feb 24 | Feb 16 | Feb 2 |
| 28°F | Mar 8 | Feb 28 | Feb 20 | Feb 14 | Feb 5 | Jan 29 | Jan 18 | Jan 7 | Dec 23 |
| 24°F | Feb 24 | Feb 16 | Feb 7 | Jan 29 | Jan 16 | Jan 7 | Jan 1 | Dec 23 | Dec 10 |
| 20°F | Feb 18 | Feb 7 | Jan 25 | Jan 11 | Jan 3 | Dec 27 | Dec 21 | Dec 16 | Dec 9 |
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 25 | Nov 11 | Dec 2 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 8 | Dec 3 | Jan 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 22 | Dec 26 | Feb 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 1 | Jan 1 | Feb 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 25 | Oct 30 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 25 | Dec 2 |
| 32°F | Nov 8 | Nov 15 | Nov 22 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 24 | Jan 4 |
| 28°F | Nov 22 | Dec 1 | Dec 8 | Dec 18 | Dec 26 | Jan 2 | Jan 9 | Jan 20 | Feb 5 |
| 24°F | Dec 1 | Dec 9 | Dec 19 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Jan 18 | Feb 1 | Feb 16 |
| 20°F | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 17 | Dec 22 | Dec 29 | Jan 4 | Jan 12 | Jan 27 | Feb 15 |
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: Detroit Dam, Or, about 9.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,220 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 Gates, OR?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Gates, OR is about Mar 9. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 2.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Gates, OR typically arrives about Dec 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 Mar 9 on average, or Feb 2 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 270 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 97358 Planting calendar → Oregon frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026