Last spring frost
Apr 26
Frost Dates for Forks, WA
First fall frost
Oct 25
Growing season
182 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Forks, WA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 26 and the first fall frost is about Oct 25, giving roughly a 182-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 5 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 31 | May 14 | Apr 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 10 | Apr 26 | Apr 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 21 | Mar 27 | Feb 27 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 22 | Feb 19 | Dec 30 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 31 | May 24 | May 21 | May 16 | May 14 | May 10 | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 28 |
| 32°F | May 10 | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 13 | Apr 5 |
| 28°F | Apr 21 | Apr 14 | Apr 6 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 14 | Mar 6 | Feb 27 |
| 24°F | Mar 22 | Mar 9 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 19 | Feb 13 | Feb 1 | Jan 20 | Dec 30 |
| 20°F | Feb 22 | Feb 12 | Jan 31 | Jan 20 | Jan 9 | Dec 31 | Dec 18 | Dec 12 | Dec 2 |
| 16°F | Feb 12 | Jan 23 | Jan 5 | Dec 30 | Dec 21 | Dec 14 | Dec 11 | Dec 6 | Nov 30 |
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 20 | Oct 5 | Oct 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 6 | Oct 25 | Nov 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 23 | Nov 15 | Dec 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 8 | Dec 4 | Jan 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 20 | Sep 26 | Sep 30 | Oct 2 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 17 | Oct 24 |
| 32°F | Oct 6 | Oct 12 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 7 | Nov 15 |
| 28°F | Oct 23 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 9 |
| 24°F | Nov 8 | Nov 18 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 4 | Dec 10 | Dec 18 | Dec 31 | Jan 16 |
| 20°F | Nov 22 | Dec 1 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 19 | Dec 30 | Jan 7 | Jan 22 | Feb 11 |
| 16°F | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 3 | Jan 17 | Feb 11 |
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: Forks 1 E, Wa, about 7.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 350 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 Forks, WA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Forks, WA is about Apr 26. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 5.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Forks, WA typically arrives about Oct 25. 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 26 on average, or Apr 5 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 182 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 98305 Planting calendar → Washington frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026