Last spring frost
Mar 31
Frost Dates for Ferndale, WA
First fall frost
Oct 30
Growing season
211 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Ferndale, WA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 31 and the first fall frost is about Oct 30, giving roughly a 211-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 12 | Apr 25 | Apr 7 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 18 | Mar 31 | Mar 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 25 | Mar 4 | Feb 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 4 | Feb 10 | Jan 3 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 12 | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 7 |
| 32°F | Apr 18 | Apr 12 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 10 |
| 28°F | Mar 25 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 9 |
| 24°F | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 10 | Feb 1 | Jan 25 | Jan 14 | Jan 3 |
| 20°F | Feb 18 | Feb 3 | Jan 28 | Jan 20 | Jan 13 | Jan 6 | Jan 1 | Dec 21 | Dec 7 |
| 16°F | Feb 2 | Jan 26 | Jan 18 | Jan 11 | Jan 4 | Dec 31 | Dec 19 | Dec 9 | 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 30 | Oct 13 | Oct 31 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 12 | Oct 30 | Nov 17 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 27 | Nov 16 | Dec 8 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 10 | Dec 3 | Jan 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 31 |
| 32°F | Oct 12 | Oct 18 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 17 |
| 28°F | Oct 27 | Nov 3 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 8 |
| 24°F | Nov 10 | Nov 18 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 9 | Dec 18 | Dec 25 | Jan 4 |
| 20°F | Nov 21 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 24 | Dec 31 | Jan 9 | Jan 26 |
| 16°F | Nov 29 | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 20 | Dec 30 | Jan 2 | Jan 11 | Jan 20 | Jan 30 |
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: Bellingham Intl Ap, Wa, about 6.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 149 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 Ferndale, WA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Ferndale, WA is about Mar 31. 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 Ferndale, WA typically arrives about Oct 30. 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 31 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 211 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 98248 Planting calendar → Washington frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026