Last spring frost
Mar 8
Frost Dates for Anacortes, WA
First fall frost
Nov 20
Growing season
255 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Anacortes, WA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 8 and the first fall frost is about Nov 20, giving roughly a 255-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 17 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) | Apr 21 | Apr 1 | Mar 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 28 | Mar 8 | Feb 17 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 5 | Feb 15 | Jan 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 21 | Jan 13 | Dec 7 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 21 | Apr 13 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 15 |
| 32°F | Mar 28 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 17 |
| 28°F | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 19 | Feb 15 | Feb 8 | Jan 31 | Jan 17 | Jan 5 |
| 24°F | Feb 21 | Feb 10 | Jan 31 | Jan 22 | Jan 13 | Jan 4 | Dec 31 | Dec 17 | Dec 7 |
| 20°F | Feb 6 | Jan 27 | Jan 14 | Jan 3 | Dec 31 | Dec 21 | Dec 13 | Dec 6 | Dec 1 |
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 17 | Nov 2 | Nov 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 20 | Dec 11 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 13 | Dec 5 | Jan 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 22 | Dec 17 | Jan 29 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 17 | Oct 22 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 22 |
| 32°F | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 11 |
| 28°F | Nov 13 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 18 | Dec 28 | Jan 9 |
| 24°F | Nov 22 | Nov 30 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 10 | Jan 29 |
| 20°F | Nov 27 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 11 | Dec 19 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 15 | 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: Anacortes, Wa, about 4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 20 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 Anacortes, WA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Anacortes, WA is about Mar 8. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 17.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Anacortes, WA typically arrives about Nov 20. 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 8 on average, or Feb 17 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 255 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 98221 Planting calendar → Washington frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026