Last spring frost
Apr 11
Frost Dates for Port Ludlow, WA
First fall frost
Oct 28
Growing season
199 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Port Ludlow, WA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 11 and the first fall frost is about Oct 28, giving roughly a 199-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 21 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 17 | May 2 | Apr 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 1 | Apr 11 | Mar 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 31 | Mar 7 | Feb 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 4 | Feb 11 | Dec 24 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 17 | May 13 | May 8 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 19 |
| 32°F | May 1 | Apr 26 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 11 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 21 |
| 28°F | Mar 31 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 13 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 13 |
| 24°F | Mar 4 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 17 | Feb 11 | Feb 3 | Jan 24 | Jan 7 | Dec 24 |
| 20°F | Feb 21 | Feb 12 | Feb 1 | Jan 23 | Jan 12 | Jan 3 | Dec 25 | Dec 14 | Dec 5 |
| 16°F | Feb 13 | Jan 31 | Jan 16 | Jan 5 | Dec 31 | Dec 22 | Dec 12 | Dec 7 | 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 1 | Oct 12 | Oct 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 13 | Oct 28 | Nov 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 28 | Nov 15 | Dec 7 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 10 | Dec 4 | Jan 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 28 |
| 32°F | Oct 13 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 15 |
| 28°F | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 30 | Dec 7 |
| 24°F | Nov 10 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 19 | Dec 28 | Jan 10 |
| 20°F | Nov 23 | Nov 30 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 19 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 16 | Feb 3 |
| 16°F | Nov 29 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 22 | Dec 29 | Jan 4 | Jan 16 | Feb 4 |
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: Quilcene 2 Sw, Wa, about 11.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 123 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 Port Ludlow, WA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Port Ludlow, WA is about Apr 11. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 21.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Port Ludlow, WA 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 11 on average, or Mar 21 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 199 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 98365 Planting calendar → Washington frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026