Last spring frost
Apr 29
Frost Dates for Shady Cove, OR
First fall frost
Oct 17
Growing season
171 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Shady Cove, OR, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 29 and the first fall frost is about Oct 17, giving roughly a 171-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 7 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 7 | May 18 | May 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 19 | Apr 29 | Apr 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 28 | Mar 31 | Mar 3 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 25 | Feb 25 | Jan 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 7 | May 31 | May 26 | May 21 | May 18 | May 14 | May 11 | May 6 | May 1 |
| 32°F | May 19 | May 11 | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 15 | Apr 7 |
| 28°F | Apr 28 | Apr 19 | Apr 11 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 19 | Mar 12 | Mar 3 |
| 24°F | Mar 25 | Mar 14 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 10 | Jan 31 | Jan 16 |
| 20°F | Feb 24 | Feb 15 | Feb 4 | Jan 26 | Jan 15 | Jan 6 | Dec 31 | Dec 21 | Dec 9 |
| 16°F | Jan 24 | Jan 14 | Jan 6 | Jan 1 | Dec 28 | Dec 24 | Dec 16 | Dec 10 | 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) | Sep 17 | Oct 2 | Oct 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 1 | Oct 17 | Nov 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 16 | Nov 1 | Dec 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 27 | Dec 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 17 | Sep 22 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 2 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 15 |
| 32°F | Oct 1 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 |
| 28°F | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 10 | Nov 18 | Dec 1 |
| 24°F | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 12 | Nov 21 | Nov 27 | Dec 2 | Dec 9 | Dec 17 | Dec 27 |
| 20°F | Nov 9 | Nov 26 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 | Dec 28 | Jan 4 | Jan 20 |
| 16°F | Nov 29 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 14 | Dec 20 | Dec 25 | Dec 30 | Jan 4 | Jan 16 |
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: Lost Creek Dam, Or, about 8.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,580 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 Shady Cove, OR?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Shady Cove, OR is about Apr 29. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 7.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Shady Cove, OR typically arrives about Oct 17. 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 29 on average, or Apr 7 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 171 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 97539 Planting calendar → Oregon frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026