Last spring frost
Mar 8
Frost Dates for Tacoma, WA
First fall frost
Nov 14
Growing season
250 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Tacoma, WA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 8 and the first fall frost is about Nov 14, giving roughly a 250-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 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) | Apr 24 | Apr 2 | Mar 13 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 31 | Mar 8 | Feb 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 4 | Feb 11 | Dec 29 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 18 | Jan 7 | Dec 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 24 | Apr 16 | Apr 11 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 13 |
| 32°F | Mar 31 | Mar 23 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 15 |
| 28°F | Mar 4 | Feb 27 | Feb 23 | Feb 17 | Feb 11 | Feb 3 | Jan 26 | Jan 12 | Dec 29 |
| 24°F | Feb 18 | Feb 10 | Jan 31 | Jan 19 | Jan 7 | Dec 31 | Dec 21 | Dec 12 | Dec 2 |
| 20°F | Feb 10 | Jan 27 | Jan 4 | Dec 28 | Dec 19 | Dec 13 | Dec 8 | Dec 5 | Nov 29 |
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 16 | Oct 31 | Nov 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 30 | Nov 14 | Dec 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 8 | Dec 1 | Jan 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 20 | Dec 17 | Feb 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 |
| 32°F | Oct 30 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 2 |
| 28°F | Nov 8 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 22 | Jan 1 |
| 24°F | Nov 20 | Nov 29 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Dec 31 | Jan 7 | Feb 2 |
| 20°F | Nov 27 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 11 | Dec 14 | Dec 24 | Jan 1 | Jan 14 | Feb 10 |
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: Tacoma #1, Wa, about 2.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 25 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 Tacoma, WA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Tacoma, WA is about Mar 8. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 15.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Tacoma, WA typically arrives about Nov 14. 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 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 250 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 98403 Planting calendar → Washington frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026