Last spring frost
Apr 8
Frost Dates for Selma, OR
First fall frost
Oct 28
Growing season
201 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Selma, OR, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 8 and the first fall frost is about Oct 28, giving roughly a 201-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 15 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 30 | May 2 | Apr 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 1 | Apr 8 | Mar 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 5 | Mar 8 | Jan 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 8 | Jan 29 | Dec 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 30 | May 20 | May 13 | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 20 | Apr 14 |
| 32°F | May 1 | Apr 24 | Apr 19 | Apr 13 | Apr 8 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 15 |
| 28°F | Apr 5 | Mar 29 | Mar 23 | Mar 16 | Mar 8 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 14 | Jan 19 |
| 24°F | Mar 8 | Feb 28 | Feb 20 | Feb 12 | Jan 29 | Jan 16 | Jan 3 | Dec 23 | Dec 6 |
| 20°F | Feb 20 | Jan 28 | Jan 16 | Jan 5 | Dec 31 | Dec 24 | Dec 15 | Dec 10 | Dec 1 |
| 16°F | Jan 16 | Jan 5 | Dec 31 | Dec 26 | Dec 24 | Dec 15 | Dec 13 | Dec 11 | Dec 7 |
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 23 | Oct 11 | Oct 31 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 8 | Oct 28 | Nov 24 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 22 | Nov 16 | Dec 27 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 3 | Dec 11 | Feb 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 23 | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Oct 31 |
| 32°F | Oct 8 | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 13 | Nov 24 |
| 28°F | Oct 22 | Oct 28 | Nov 2 | Nov 9 | Nov 16 | Nov 25 | Dec 2 | Dec 11 | Dec 27 |
| 24°F | Nov 3 | Nov 16 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 11 | Dec 21 | Jan 2 | Jan 14 | Feb 6 |
| 20°F | Nov 19 | Dec 1 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 20 | Dec 28 | Jan 5 | Jan 17 | Feb 6 |
| 16°F | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 10 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Dec 23 | Dec 30 | Jan 4 | Jan 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: Grants Pass, Or, about 12.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 932 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 Selma, OR?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Selma, OR is about Apr 8. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 15.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Selma, OR typically arrives about Oct 28. 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 8 on average, or Mar 15 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 201 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 97543 Planting calendar → Oregon frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026