Last spring frost
Apr 26
Frost Dates for Bay Center, WA
First fall frost
Oct 17
Growing season
177 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Bay Center, WA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 26 and the first fall frost is about Oct 17, giving roughly a 177-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 1 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) | Jun 1 | May 13 | Apr 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 12 | Apr 26 | Apr 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 22 | Mar 27 | Feb 27 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 20 | Feb 23 | Dec 31 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 1 | May 28 | May 23 | May 17 | May 13 | May 10 | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 27 |
| 32°F | May 12 | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 12 | Apr 1 |
| 28°F | Apr 22 | Apr 14 | Apr 6 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 13 | Mar 5 | Feb 27 |
| 24°F | Mar 20 | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 | Feb 8 | Jan 23 | Dec 31 |
| 20°F | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 14 | Feb 2 | Jan 22 | Jan 5 | Dec 27 | Dec 14 | Dec 4 |
| 16°F | Feb 16 | Feb 1 | Jan 12 | Dec 31 | Dec 25 | Dec 17 | Dec 9 | Dec 5 | Nov 27 |
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 14 | Sep 30 | Oct 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 1 | Oct 17 | Nov 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 15 | Nov 7 | Dec 6 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 28 | Jan 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 14 | Sep 20 | Sep 24 | Sep 28 | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 11 | Oct 18 |
| 32°F | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 8 | Oct 13 | Oct 17 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 7 |
| 28°F | Oct 15 | Oct 23 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 | Nov 19 | Nov 26 | Dec 6 |
| 24°F | Nov 1 | Nov 9 | Nov 16 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 12 | Dec 24 | Jan 6 |
| 20°F | Nov 14 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 | Dec 31 | Jan 16 | Feb 12 |
| 16°F | Nov 22 | Nov 30 | Dec 5 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 23 | Jan 1 | Jan 17 | Feb 8 |
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: Raymond 2 S, Wa, about 9.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 30 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 Bay Center, WA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Bay Center, WA is about Apr 26. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 1.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Bay Center, WA typically arrives about Oct 17. 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 1 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 177 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 98527 Planting calendar → Washington frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026